Coconut Mango Cream Pie Recipe

A luscious tropical dessert featuring a buttery coconut crust filled with silky mango custard and topped with billowy coconut whipped cream.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot captures this vibrant tropical pie on a white ceramic pedestal, its golden-yellow mango filling contrasting beautifully with the snowy coconut whipped cream topping. Natural sidelight highlights the textural contrast between the crunchy toasted coconut crust and the smooth, glossy mango layer. Thinly sliced fresh mango fans delicately across one side, while toasted coconut flakes are scattered artistically on top, creating visual interest. The cross-section reveals distinct layers - the crumbly coconut base, vibrant mango custard center, and airy whipped topping - all photographed against a light blue linen that evokes tropical waters.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Coconut Crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g desiccated coconut</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Mango Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g ripe mango flesh (about 2 large mangoes)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml coconut milk (full-fat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large egg yolks</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Coconut Whipped Topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400ml coconut cream, chilled overnight</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For Garnish:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g toasted coconut flakes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ripe mango, thinly sliced</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh sieve</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or immersion blender</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a food processor, pulse the digestive biscuits until they form fine crumbs. Add the desiccated coconut and pulse a few more times to combine. The coconut adds wonderful texture and flavor to the crust, creating a tropical foundation for our pie.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Transfer the crumb mixture to a bowl and stir in the melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, compact crust - this prevents crumbling when you serve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. The toasting process enhances the coconut flavor by releasing its natural oils. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>For the mango filling, peel and dice your mangoes, then blend until completely smooth. You'll need 400g of puree for a robust mango flavor. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits, ensuring your filling will be silky smooth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a medium saucepan, whisk together the strained mango puree, coconut milk, 75g of the sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining 25g sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. The cornstarch works with the egg proteins to thicken our filling while maintaining a luscious, smooth texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once the mango mixture is simmering, carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly pouring about half of the hot mango mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining mango mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens significantly and bubbles begin to break the surface, about 4-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the vanilla extract and softened butter until fully incorporated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the cooled crust to catch any lumps or bits of cooked egg. This extra step ensures the smoothest possible texture. Smooth the top with a spatula, then press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>For the coconut whipped topping, open the chilled can of coconut cream without shaking it. Scoop out the solid cream that has risen to the top (save the liquid for smoothies). In a chilled bowl, beat the coconut cream with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. The cold temperature helps the coconut cream maintain its structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat as coconut cream can become grainy. Spread or pipe the whipped coconut cream over the chilled mango filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Just before serving, garnish your pie with toasted coconut flakes and arrange fresh mango slices in a decorative pattern. The contrast between the creamy filling, fluffy topping, and fresh fruit creates a beautiful presentation and adds textural interest. Serve chilled and enjoy your tropical masterpiece!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 385 calories
🥑 Fat: 24 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 18 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g
🍭 Sugar: 29 g
🍗 Protein: 4 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 115 mg
🧂 Sodium: 180 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this tropical pie ahead of time for a special occasion?

Yes! You can make this pie 1-2 days in advance. The crust and mango filling actually benefit from setting overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, add the coconut whipped topping and garnishes just a few hours before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and texture.

Why is my mango custard not thickening properly?

Custard thickening issues typically stem from insufficient cooking time or temperature. Ensure you're cooking the mixture until bubbles appear and it coats the back of a spoon. The cornstarch needs to reach at least 95°C to activate fully. Always whisk constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.

What's the best type of mango to use for a custard filling?

Alphonso or Ataulfo (honey) mangoes are ideal for custard as they have less fibrous flesh and intense, sweet flavour. They provide the smooth texture and vibrant colour needed for a stunning filling. If unavailable, Kent or Tommy Atkins varieties work well too—just ensure they're fully ripe for optimal sweetness.

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