Impossible Pie

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Impossible Pie is creamy and light with sweet, shredded coconut and a crispy magical crust. It may seem impossible, but this pie literally makes its own crust as it bakes. So, if you like coconut, you’ll definitely enjoy this easy pie!

See? It really is easy as pie to bring a delicious dessert to your next family gathering, dinner with friends, or holiday meal — you likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredient notes

• Sugar —  Granulated sugar gives the impossible pie just enough sweetness to compliment the sweetened coconut.
• Self-rising flour — To make this easy recipe even more straightforward, use self-rising flour that already includes baking powder and a bit of salt. If you rather, you can use all-purpose flour and add some baking powder to the recipe.
• Eggs — Eggs are essential for this custard-like pie filling. I like to use large, grade-A eggs.

• Unsalted butter — Unsalted butter is typically best for baked goods. However, you can use salted butter for this recipe if preferred. Salt may actually enhance the sweeter flavors.
• Milk — Use whole milk for the creamiest and richest flavor.

• Sweetened shredded coconut — I suggest using sweetened shredded coconut for this creamy pie filling. However, if you desire a less sweet and milder pie, try using unsweetened coconut.
• Vanilla — Just a few drops of vanilla extract will boost the flavors of the milk and coconut and bring this pie to the next level. If you’d rather, you may use bourbon vanilla for additional flavor.

How to make Old-fashioned Impossible Coconut Pie

Perhaps there is no other pie recipe quite as simple as this impossible pie. All you need is a blender and a pie tin. While baking, the pie even forms its own crust!

STEP 1 | Preheat and prep

Start this super simple recipe by preheating the oven and greasing a deep dish pie plate with a pat of butter.

STEP 2 | Create the pie filling

Next, measure out and add the sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, milk, coconut, and vanilla to the bowl of a blender. Yes, all together at one time!

Then, cover the blender pitcher with the lid and blend the mixture until it has a smooth and creamy texture.

STEP 3 | Bake until golden

You’re almost done! Just pour the pie filling into the buttered pie plate and bake on a lower rack for about 1 hour. You’ll know your impossible pie is finished when it is firm to the touch and has a beautiful golden color.

STEP 4 | Cool.

Once the pie is finished baking, transfer it to a wire rack, allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing it into this creamy goodness.

Warning: This might be the most difficult part as it looks and smells so good! Don’t be tempted to dig in just yet; it needs time to set up properly.

STEP 5 | Garnish, slice, and serve!

Finally, garnish with sifted powdered sugar, toasted coconut, or sweetened whipped cream. Then, slice and serve! For the tastiest results, serve impossible pie at room temperature.

Variations and substitutions

• Not a fan of coconut? No problem. You can omit the shredded coconut and still enjoy a creamy and sweet pie!
• Lemon Impossible Pie. For a bright summery taste, add some lemon juice and serve this pie chilled. Or, add orange juice, orange zest, and nutmeg for an orange impossible pie full of fall flavor.
• If desired, you can use brown sugar in place of the granulated sugar for a rich molasses flavor.
• You may also use any other type of milk, like low-fat or skim, but it will not turn out quite the same as the full-fat version.

Storage tips

• If you have leftovers or want to make this pie ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered it with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When you’re ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and enjoy the impossible pie chilled or leave it out and allow it to come to room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

Why not have a whole day of coconut love? For breakfast, serve up some hot Coconut Pecan Pancakes or Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal Pancakes.

Then, enjoy some Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with a side salad for lunch. And for dinner, dive into this Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe. Finally, top it all off with this delicious impossible pie!

Beyond the recipe

The Impossible Pie is a traditional recipe that has been around for many years. One theory is that this creamy coconut pie is an old Amish dessert.

Have you ever wondered why it’s called the “Impossible” pie? Most believe it is named so because it seems impossible that a pie can make its own crust.

Once you dive into a slice of this incredible, impossible pie, you’ll see precisely why it has been around for so long.