Coconut Pie with Pecan Graham Crust: A Tropical Delight with a Nutty Twist
Introduction
The Coconut Pie with Pecan Graham Crust is an exquisite dessert that marries the tropical allure of coconut with the rich, nutty undertones of pecans. This pie is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining a crunchy graham cracker crust with a light, airy meringue filling, topped with whipped cream and fruit. Though the recipe takes a bit of time, particularly in toasting ingredients and baking at a low temperature, the end result is well worth the effort. For those seeking a dessert with a tropical essence and a nutty crust, or for anyone looking to indulge in a slightly lower-sugar option by tweaking the recipe with artificial sweeteners, this pie is a perfect choice.
Recipe Overview
Name: Coconut Pie with Pecan Graham Crust
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 515.7
Category: Pie
Keywords: Dessert, Coconut, Fruit, Nuts, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons margarine (alternative: use only butter if preferred)
Filling:
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 cup sugar (can substitute with artificial sweetener)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut (divided)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (can substitute with artificial sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping:
- 1 kiwi, sliced
- 1 strawberry, sliced
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 515.7 kcal
- Fat: 37.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 22.7 g
- Cholesterol: 72.6 mg
- Sodium: 211.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.2 g
- Fiber: 3.8 g
- Sugar: 34.6 g
- Protein: 5.4 g
Instructions
Crust Preparation
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Toast Ingredients:
- Spread 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup pecans, and 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut evenly on a cookie sheet.
- Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Stir the mixture every 5 minutes to ensure even toasting.
-
Cool Mixture:
- Remove the toasted mixture from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
-
Combine with Butter:
- In a medium bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave (approximately 30 seconds, but times may vary).
- Once melted, add the cooled crumb mixture to the butter.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure that the butter is well incorporated into the crumb mixture.
-
Form Crust:
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust.
- Ensure it is tightly packed for a sturdy base.
Filling Preparation
-
Beat Egg Whites:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 egg whites until frothy.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vinegar, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
-
Incorporate Sugar:
- Gradually add 1 cup sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to the egg whites, adding 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Beat thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
-
Fill the Crust:
- Spread the meringue mixture evenly into the prepared graham cracker crust.
-
Bake:
- Place the pie in a slow oven (set to 275°F or 135°C) and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- The meringue should be firm to the touch and slightly golden.
-
Cool:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Topping Preparation
-
Toast Coconut:
- In a small skillet or oven, toast the remaining 1/2 cup coconut until it is golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, and stir frequently if using a skillet.
-
Whip Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold in the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener), 1 teaspoon vanilla, and the toasted coconut.
-
Assemble Pie:
- Once the pie has cooled, spread the whipped cream mixture over the top of the meringue.
-
Add Fruit:
- Arrange the slices of kiwi and strawberry decoratively on the whipped cream.
-
Chill:
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
Tips for Success
Choosing Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: For a more robust flavor, use graham cracker crumbs that are made from whole wheat.
- Pecans: Ensure the pecans are fresh and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent rancidity.
- Coconut: Unsweetened flaked coconut works best to control the sweetness of the pie.
Preparation Techniques
- Whipping Egg Whites: Ensure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry; any grease or residue can prevent the egg whites from forming peaks.
- Incorporating Sugar into Meringue: Adding sugar slowly helps in achieving a glossy and stable meringue.
- Pressing Crust: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the pie pan.
Customizing the Recipe
- Sweetener Substitution: If using artificial sweeteners, be aware of their potency and adjust the quantity according to the specific product’s guidelines.
- Fruit Toppings: Feel free to vary the fruit according to the season. Berries, mango, or pineapple can also complement the tropical flavors of the coconut.
Serving Suggestions
- Temperature: Serve the pie chilled for a refreshing dessert.
- Pairings: A dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the indulgence of each slice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the crust and meringue can be frozen, it is best to add the whipped cream and fruit fresh before serving for optimal texture and appearance.
Conclusion
This Coconut Pie with Pecan Graham Crust stands as a testament to the delightful combination of textures and flavors, blending the tropical sweetness of coconut with the nutty, buttery crunch of a pecan-infused graham cracker crust. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight treat or a special dessert for a gathering, this pie promises to be a hit. Its adaptability to lower-sugar options makes it inclusive for those who are mindful of their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor. So take the time to prepare this luscious pie, and savor each bite of its creamy, nutty goodness!
Enjoy your baking adventure and the sweet rewards that follow!
