Tropical Paradise: Heavenly Haupia Pie Recipe

When summer heat sizzles, this classic Hawaiian haupia pie delivers pure tropical bliss.

The traditional coconut haupia pie recipe weaves together creamy layers of sweet, velvety goodness.

Silky coconut custard nestles atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that whispers of island breezes.

Each slice promises a cool, refreshing escape from ordinary sweets.

Rich coconut flavors dance across your palate with delicate precision.

Smooth and luscious, this dessert captures the essence of Hawaiian culinary magic.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this delectable tropical treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 9

Haupia Pie Ingredient Map

• Macadamia Nuts: Provides rich, buttery flavor and unique texture to the base, choose fresh, high-quality nuts with a creamy, smooth appearance.
• Cold Butter: Ensures flaky, tender crust by creating small pockets of fat, select unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Flour: Binds the crust together, opt for all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Ice Water: Helps bind ingredients without activating gluten, use filtered water for pure taste.

• Coconut Cream: Delivers intense tropical flavor, select full-fat cream for luxurious consistency.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create silky texture, whole milk works best.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and adds sweetness, choose fine granulated sugar for even distribution.
• Cornstarch: Thickens filling perfectly, ensure it's fresh and free from clumps.
• Coconut Extract: Enhances tropical essence, choose pure extract for authentic flavor.
• Chocolate: Provides rich, decadent layer, use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy topping, select cream with high fat content.
• Sugar: Sweetens whipped cream, use powdered sugar for smoother incorporation.
• Coconut Shavings: Adds crunch and visual appeal, toast for enhanced nutty flavor.

Tools to Help You Layer, Chill, and Slice

• Food Processor: Essential for finely grinding macadamia nuts and mixing pie crust ingredients quickly.
• Perfect for shaping and baking the macadamia nut crust.
• Saucepan: Needed for preparing smooth, creamy coconut filling.
• Whisk: Critical for blending coconut cream, milk, and sugar without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps spread and smooth chocolate-coconut filling layers evenly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Required for whipping cream to stiff, fluffy peaks.
• Baking Sheet: Used for toasting coconut shavings in the oven.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out pie crust to perfect thickness.
• Plastic Wrap: Necessary for chilling and storing pie crust.

How to Build That Iconic Coconut Custard Pie

• Nutty Foundation

Blend macadamia nuts into fine powder, mixing with chilled butter and flour until crumbly. Shape into soft disk and chill in refrigerator. Roll out delicate dough and settle into pie dish, then bake until edges turn golden.

• Creamy Coconut Heart

Warm coconut cream with sweet sugar, creating silky base. Thicken mixture with cornstarch blend. Separate filling, introducing rich chocolate to half the mixture. Pour layers carefully into prepared crust.

• Dreamy Cloud Topping

Whip fresh cream until peaks stand tall and proud. Gently toast delicate coconut shavings until they reach warm amber color. Allow pie to cool completely before crowning with soft cream and sprinkled golden coconut.

• Finishing Touch

Chill pie for several hours to let flavors meld and texture set. Serve cool, revealing beautiful layers of tropical paradise on each slice.

Flavor Boosts & Crust Upgrades You’ll Love

• Replace macadamia nuts with graham crackers or almonds for a different crispy texture and unique flavor profile.
• Melt dark or milk chocolate into the filling for richer, more decadent chocolate layers that complement the coconut beautifully.
• Sprinkle fresh mango or passion fruit chunks between filling layers to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired dessert with bright, fruity notes.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter alternatives to craft a completely vegan version of this classic pie.

Tropical Serving Styles for Haupia Pie

• Tropical Picnic Paradise: Pack this haupia pie for a beachside lunch with friends, using portable containers that keep the pie chilled and intact.
• Sunset Dessert Showcase: Serve slices on elegant white plates with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a tiny mint leaf for a sophisticated Hawaiian-inspired presentation.
• Coconut Lover's Dream: Pair each slice with a small scoop of coconut sorbet or a chilled coconut cocktail to enhance the tropical flavor profile and create a complete dessert experience.
• Island Brunch Centerpiece: Display the whole pie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh tropical fruits like pineapple chunks and mango slices for a stunning visual impact.

Storage Secrets for Keeping It Silky

• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the haupia pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the filling to set perfectly and enhance the flavor melding.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 weeks, maintaining its delightful texture and taste.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep the whipped cream topping separate from the pie until right before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain ideal cream consistency.
• Storage Container Choice: Use an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to store leftover pie slices in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days without absorbing other food odors.

Silky Haupia Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hawaiian haupia pie blends creamy coconut custard with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a tropical dessert that whispers island memories. Pacific paradise meets sweet indulgence, inviting you to savor each luscious bite of coconut-infused comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can coconut cream (13.5–15 oz)
• 1.25 cups flour (standard) or 1.5 cups flour (American)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup macadamia pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup cold and cubed butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3–5 tbsps ice water
• 2 tsps coconut extract
• 1 cup water
• ¼–½ cup toasted coconut shavings

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize macadamia nuts in a food processor until finely ground, then integrate chilled butter and flour, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce ice water gradually, processing until the dough coheres.
2. Dough Chilling: Form the dough into a compact disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to enhance texture and manageability.
3. Crust Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out the chilled dough, transfer to an 8-inch pie dish, trim edges, and blind bake for approximately 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Coconut Filling Base: Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. In a heavy saucepan, combine coconut cream, milk, and sugar, whisking over medium heat. Introduce coconut extract and cornstarch mixture, cooking until the filling thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
5. Layering and Chocolate Infusion: Pour half the coconut filling into the prepared crust. Merge melted chocolate into the remaining filling, creating a marbled effect, and spread carefully over the initial layer.
6. Garnish Preparation: Toast coconut shavings in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, crown with whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut shavings.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Ensure macadamia nuts are finely ground for a uniform, sandy texture that binds perfectly with butter and flour.
• Dough Handling Tip: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and maintain a flaky, tender crust during baking.
• Filling Thickness Warning: Stir constantly while cooking to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, pudding-like consistency without lumps.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Allow pie to set completely in the refrigerator for minimum 2 hours to develop rich flavors and achieve perfect slice-able texture.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg