Coconut Cream Pie

• Crust
• 6ounces animal crackers
• 2tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled 
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• Filling
• 14ounces coconut milk (1 can)
• 1cup whole milk
• 1/2cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2cup granulated sugar
• 1tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3/8teaspoon table salt
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/4cup cornstarch
• 2tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into 2 pieces
• 1teaspoon vanilla extract
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• Whipped Cream and Garnish
• 1 1/2cups heavy cream (cold)
• 2tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut , toasted in a small dry skillet until golden brown

Instructions

1. 1. For the crust: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. In food processor, pulse animal crackers, coconut, and sugar to fine crumbs, eighteen to twenty 1-second pulses; then process until powdery, about 5 seconds. Transfer crumbs to medium bowl and add butter; stir to combine until crumbs are evenly moistened. Empty crumbs into 9-inch glass pie plate; using bottom of ramekin or 1/2 cup dry measuring cup, press crumbs evenly into bottom and up sides of pie plate. Bake until fragrant and medium brown, about 15 minutes, rotating pie shell halfway through baking time. Set on wire rack and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
2. 2. For the filling: Bring coconut milk, whole milk, shredded coconut, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt to simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that sugar dissolves. Following illustrations 1 through 6, whisk yolks, cornstarch, and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisking constantly, gradually ladle about 1 cup hot milk mixture over yolk mixture; whisk well to combine. Whisking constantly, gradually add remaining milk mixture to yolk mixture in 3 or 4 additions; whisk well to combine. Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened and mixture reaches boil, whisking constantly, about 1 minute; filling must boil in order to fully thicken. (To determine whether filling has reached boil, stop whisking; large bubbles should quickly burst on surface.) Off heat, whisk in butter and vanilla until butter is fully incorporated. Pour hot filling into cooled pie shell and smooth surface with rubber spatula; press plastic wrap directly against surface of filling and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours and up to 12 hours.
3. 3. For the whipped cream: Just before serving, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until soft peaks form, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Top pie with whipped cream and then sprinkle with coconut. Cut pie into wedges and serve.

Step-by-Step

Pastry Cream 101

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  1. After heating the milk and most of sugar, whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar together.
  
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  2. Temper yolks by gradually pouring/ladling hot milk mixture over yolks while whisking constantly.
  
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  3. Add remaining hot milk to yolk mixture in 3 to 4 batches, whisking constantly until combined.
  
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  4. Pour mixture back into saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened.
  
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  5. Off heat, whisk in vanilla extract and butter until butter is melted and fully incorporated.
  
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  6. Pour hot filling into cooled pie shell and chill until firm.