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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!

a fork piercing into a piece of impossible pie on a plate.

Why you’ll love this Impossible Pie Recipe!

  • Easy to Make. All you need to do is place the primary ingredients in a blender, then pour the filling into a greased pie pan — no pie crust or pastry needed! Finally, bake, cool, and slice!
  • Simple Ingredients. This basic pie is perfect for beginner bakers, kids learning to bake, and these hectic holiday months approaching.

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!

ingredients for impossible pie on a table.

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!

spreading butter into a pie plate.

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.

adding ingredients to a blender for impossible pie.

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.

pouring impossible pie filling into a buttered pie dish.

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.

a whole impossible pie cooling on a wire rack.

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.

tips

  • For a warmer holiday twist on this traditional pie, sprinkle in some ground nutmeg.
  • Remember to use melted butter for the pie filling. There are many ways to melt butter. Perhaps the easiest way is to heat it in the microwave for just 5 to ten seconds at a time, stirring it as you go. Just be careful not to burn the butter.

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

Why is it called Impossible Pie?

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. Most believe it is named so because it seems impossible that a pie can make its own crust.

What is the best way to serve Impossible Pie?

The pie may be served chilled or at room temperature. Some excellent garnishes for this impossible pie recipe are toasted coconut, sifted powdered sugar, or sweet whipped cream. You can also try any combination of the three if desired.

a whole impossible pie dusted with powdered sugar on a table.

Looking for more easy pie recipes?

If you love this delicious coconut pie, you must try my Million Dollar Pie recipe next. It is also made with coconut, plus it has pineapple and chopped pecans! This old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie is another crustless pie I think you will love!

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!

a slice of impossible pie on a plate dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a dollop of whipped cream.

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a slice of impossible pie on a plate dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a dollop of whipped cream.

Impossible Pie

Impossible Pie is creamy and light with sweet, shredded coconut and a crispy magical crust.
4.43 from 14 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Pies & Pastries
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 411 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup self-rising flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, plus more for greasing
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a deep dish pie plate with a pat of butter.
  • Add the sugar, flour, eggs, butter, milk, coconut, and vanilla to the bowl of a blender. Cover with the lid and blend until smooth.
  • Pour the pie filling into the buttered pie plate. Bake on lower rack for 1 hour or until firm to the touch and golden.
  • Transfer the pie plate to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Garnish with sifted powdered sugar, toasted coconut, or sweetened whipped cream, if desired. This pie is best served at room temperature.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  • For a warmer holiday twist on this traditional pie, sprinkle in some ground nutmeg.
  • Remember to use melted butter for the pie filling. There are many ways to melt butter. Perhaps the easiest way is to heat it in the microwave for just 5 to ten seconds at a time, stirring it as you go. Just be careful not to burn the butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 7gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 584IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg

Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Keyword coconut, easy dessert, pie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was.

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.

Sheila Thigpen, blogger

About Sheila Thigpen

Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Food Writer

Sheila Thigpen is the publisher of Life, Love, and Good Food — a Southern food blog — and the author of Easy Chicken Cookbook and The 5-Ingredient Fresh and Easy Cookbook. After 20+ years in the publishing industry, she retired in 2018 to focus on her own creative endeavors full time. She and her husband live near the beautiful Smoky Mountains and have a precious little granddaughter who has stolen their hearts. As an influencer, Sheila has collaborated with brands like Creamette, Kroger, HERSHEY’S, Hamilton Beach, Garafalo Pasta, OXO, Smithfield, Valley Fig Growers, and more.

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