Heavenly Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Silky smooth layers of decadence define these luscious coconut cream pie dessert cups that dance between creamy indulgence and tropical delight.

Nestled in delicate glass vessels, each spoonful promises a luxurious escape from ordinary desserts.

The rich coconut cream weaves through velvety custard, creating a symphony of textures that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Delicate toasted coconut flakes crown these mini masterpieces with a golden crunch that adds irresistible dimension.

Elegant yet wonderfully simple, these dessert cups come together faster than you might expect.

Minimal ingredients and maximum flavor make this recipe a go-to for anyone seeking a quick, impressive sweet treat that sparks instant joy.

Dive into this dreamy dessert and let your taste buds sail away on a creamy coconut adventure.

Storage for Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate dessert cups immediately after preparation to maintain the perfect texture and prevent filling separation. This method locks in the creamy consistency and keeps the coconut cream smooth.
• Smarty Container Tactics: Use airtight plastic cups with secure lids to protect the dessert from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Clear containers help showcase the beautiful layers of crust, filling, and topping.
• Freshness Window: Consume these delightful coconut cream cups within 3 days for optimal taste and quality. After preparation, store consistently at 40°F or below to maintain peak flavor and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the individual components separately up to 2 days in advance. Keep the crust, filling, and whipped cream in separate containers, then assemble just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and ultimate freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Checklist for Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cookie flavor to the dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a sturdy and rich base that holds the pie cups perfectly.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Coconut Pudding Mix: Creates a smooth, luxurious base with intense vanilla or coconut flavor that forms the heart of the dessert.
• Milk: Activates the pudding mix and ensures a silky, creamy consistency.
• Coconut Extract: Enhances the tropical coconut essence when using vanilla pudding mix, adding depth and authenticity.
• Heavy Cream: Brings remarkable richness and contributes to the ultra-smooth, velvety texture of the filling.

• Heavy Cream: Whips into a cloud-like, airy topping that adds elegance and lightness to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, warm undertone that complements the coconut flavor.
• Toasted Shredded Coconut: Delivers a nutty, caramelized crunch and intense coconut flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Tools Needed for Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining crust ingredients and preparing filling.
• Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream and mixing pudding to perfect consistency.
• Piping Bags: Two clean bags for transferring filling and whipped cream neatly into cups.
• Small Cookie Scoop: Helps evenly distribute crust mixture into cups.
• Baking Sheet: Used for toasting coconut evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: For blending pudding mix and milk smoothly.

How to Prepare Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Crunchy Base

Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into small serving cups to create a solid foundation for the dessert.

• Silky Filling

Whip pudding mix with milk and coconut extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Cloud-Like Topping

Whip fresh cream with a touch of sweetness until peaks form beautifully. Create soft, billowy swirls on top of the coconut cream filling.

• Tropical Sparkle

Gently toast coconut flakes in the oven until they turn golden and release a warm, nutty aroma. Sprinkle these crunchy bits over the dessert for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the dessert cups for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold for a refreshing treat that transports you to a sunny beach paradise.

Bonus Tip: For best results, prepare these little cups the day before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Tips & Flavor Ideas for Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups Cooking Tips & Variations
• Texture Trick: Crush vanilla wafers slightly coarser for a more rustic, crunchy crust that adds delightful texture to each bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these dessert cups up to three days in advance, keeping them sealed in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different pudding mix flavors like white chocolate or French vanilla to create unique coconut cream variations that surprise your taste buds.
• Garnish Creativity: Switch up toppings by adding fresh tropical fruits like diced mango, passion fruit, or a sprinkle of lime zest to enhance the coconut cream's tropical essence.
• Dietary Twist: Substitute regular milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a richer coconut flavor and to accommodate dairy-free dietary preferences, creating an inclusive dessert everyone can enjoy.

Serving Notes for Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange these delightful coconut cream pie cups on a large wooden board with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for a stunning dessert presentation that screams summer vibes.
• Coffee Companion Delight: Serve these creamy cups alongside a hot espresso or cold brew coffee, allowing guests to enjoy a perfect sweet and rich pairing that complements the coconut's tropical essence.
• Brunch Dessert Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert station during brunch gatherings, placing these individual cups on tiered stands with small dessert spoons, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without messy cutting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these cups up to three days in advance, keeping them sealed in the refrigerator, which makes them an incredibly convenient dessert option for busy hosts who want something delicious and stress-free.

Dreamy Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy coconut cream pie dessert cups combine rich custard and coconut layers in elegant individual servings. Sweet graham cracker crusts and silky filling make this dessert perfect for gatherings where guests crave tropical elegance.

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Ingredients

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• 3.4 oz (96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (473 ml) vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) milk
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) heavy cream
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) heavy cream (for topping)
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) toasted shredded coconut
• 0.25 cup (59 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tsps coconut extract
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 0.25 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Foundation Preparation: Combine vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture that will form the base of the dessert cups.
2. Base Setting: Press the crumbly mixture into small plastic cups, ensuring a compact and even layer that will serve as the foundation.
3. Pudding Creation: Whisk pudding mix with milk and coconut extract until smooth, then chill briefly to allow initial setting.
4. Cream Integration: Fold heavy cream into the chilled pudding, whipping until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency with luxurious volume.
5. Filling Placement: Pipe the coconut cream filling into each prepared cup, leaving adequate space for subsequent layers.
6. Whipped Cream Topping: Blend heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form, then elegantly swirl onto the filled cups.
7. Coconut Garnish: Toast shredded coconut in the oven, carefully monitoring until it reaches a golden brown color and releases a warm, nutty fragrance, then generously sprinkle over the whipped cream layer.
8. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the dessert cups, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify, creating a cohesive tropical-inspired treat ready to be served chilled.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and consistent texture.
• Crumb Technique: Press wafer crumbs firmly but gently to create a stable, even base that won’t crumble.
• Coconut Caution: Toast coconut carefully to prevent burning; stir frequently and watch color closely.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop and set properly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg