This French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche combines a buttery, crumbly sablée dough with a rich coconut filling and a layer of smooth dulce de leche. The result is a visually stunning and incredibly moist pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Inspired by French and Argentine flavors, this pie boasts a delicate, sweet coconut filling made with eggs, honey, and cream, while the dulce de leche adds a luscious caramel flavor that enhances every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 150 g unsalted butter

• 100 g granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 egg yolks

• 250 g all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• 250 g dulce de leche

• 300 g unsweetened shredded coconut

• 120 g granulated sugar

• 3 eggs

• 2 tbsp vanilla extract

• 30 g honey

• 60 g whipping cream

For the Decoration

• 2 tbsp icing sugar (powdered sugar)

• 50 g white coating chocolate or candy melts

• Golden or yellow pearls or sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with the sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.

   • Add egg yolks and combine.

   • Mix in the flour until combined, forming a dough.

   • Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

   • Remove from the fridge and knead slightly to soften. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan.

   • Prick the crust with a fork and freeze until ready to fill.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until pale and creamy.

   • Gently mix in the shredded coconut and cream with a spatula.

   • Spread the dulce de leche evenly over the frozen crust.

   • Pour the coconut filling over the dulce de leche.

3. Bake the Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C).

   • Bake the pie for 40 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and no longer jiggles when you shake the pan.

   • Allow the pie to cool completely.

4. Decorate the Pie:

   • Melt the white chocolate or candy melts and pipe small flowers on a silicone sheet or parchment paper.

   • Place a pearl in the center of each flower before the chocolate hardens.

   • Sprinkle icing sugar over the cooled pie and add the chocolate flowers for decoration.

5. Serve:

   • Slice and enjoy the sweet and creamy coconut pie with dulce de leche!

Nutrients (approximate per slice)

• Calories: 310

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 80 mg

• Sodium: 60 mg

• Sugar: 30 g

The Importance of the Sablée Dough

The sablée dough is an essential part of the French Coconut Pie, providing the perfect base for the rich coconut filling. Sablée dough is a classic French pastry dough known for its crumbly texture and buttery flavor. It is made by combining unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and egg yolks with all-purpose flour. The result is a dough that is tender and crisp, which serves as the perfect contrast to the smooth coconut filling.

One of the key aspects of making sablée dough is ensuring that the butter is softened but not melted. This allows it to cream with the sugar, creating a light, airy texture in the dough. Once the dough is mixed, it is essential to let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and fit into the tart pan without breaking. Freezing the crust before filling it helps it hold its shape during baking, ensuring a beautifully crisp bottom that contrasts with the creamy coconut filling.

Creating the Coconut Filling

The coconut filling is the heart of this French Coconut Pie. It is made by whisking together eggs, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract to create a creamy base. The mixture is then gently folded with shredded coconut and whipping cream, resulting in a smooth, thick filling with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

The addition of honey not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a subtle floral note that complements the coconut beautifully. The rich whipping cream ensures that the filling is soft and velvety, while the unsweetened shredded coconut provides a slightly chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the smooth custard-like filling.

Once the filling is made, it is poured over the dulce de leche, which has already been spread evenly over the frozen tart crust. The combination of the coconut filling and dulce de leche creates a decadent dessert that is rich in both flavor and texture.

The Role of Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is the secret ingredient that gives this pie its luxurious, caramelized flavor. This rich, smooth sauce is made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and takes on a golden, caramel color. Dulce de leche is popular in many Latin American countries and has a deep, caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut.

In this recipe, the dulce de leche is spread evenly over the frozen tart crust before the coconut filling is added. As the pie bakes, the dulce de leche softens and merges with the coconut filling, creating a layer of rich caramel goodness that adds depth to the overall flavor. This caramel-like element contrasts with the coconut’s sweetness and enhances the creamy texture of the filling.

Baking the Pie

Baking the pie at 340°F (170°C) for 40 minutes ensures that the coconut filling becomes golden brown and set without overbaking. The goal is to achieve a filling that is firm yet soft, with a golden crust on the top. To check for doneness, gently shake the pan; the filling should no longer jiggle. The top should also be slightly browned, and the edges of the tart crust should be crisp.

Allowing the pie to cool completely before serving is important, as it helps the filling set properly. The cooling process also enhances the flavors, allowing the dulce de leche to fully meld with the coconut filling, creating a smooth, rich pie that is easy to slice and serve.

Decorating the Pie

The decoration of the French Coconut Pie adds an extra touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions. The white chocolate flowers, made by melting white coating chocolate or candy melts and piping small flowers onto parchment paper or a silicone sheet, provide a beautiful contrast against the golden brown pie. Placing a pearl in the center of each flower adds a decorative touch that makes the pie look even more refined.

After the chocolate flowers have hardened, they can be placed on top of the cooled pie for a stunning finish. Sprinkling icing sugar over the pie adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look even more elegant. The golden or yellow pearls or sprinkles provide a pop of color, making the pie visually appealing and perfect for any celebration.

Serving Suggestions

This French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche is a showstopper on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the experience. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich pie, balancing out its sweetness. Fresh tropical fruits, such as mango or pineapple, would also complement the coconut flavor and provide a refreshing contrast.

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little more dulce de leche over the pie just before serving. The caramelized flavor will enhance the richness of the pie, making each bite even more decadent.

Why This Pie Is a Must-Try

The French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of a buttery, crumbly sablée crust, a rich coconut filling, and the caramel depth of dulce de leche creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. The decoration with white chocolate flowers and golden pearls adds a touch of elegance, making this pie not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful centerpiece for any table.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this pie will impress everyone who tastes it. Its balance of textures—crisp crust, creamy filling, and rich caramel—combined with the tropical flavors of coconut and the sweet, smooth dulce de leche, makes it a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Once you try it, this pie will quickly become a favorite.

Conclusion

The French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche is an elegant and indulgent dessert that brings together the best of French pastry and Argentine flavors. Its rich coconut filling, buttery crust, and luscious dulce de leche make it a memorable treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a special celebration, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its perfect combination of flavors and beautiful decoration, it’s a dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Enjoy a slice (or two)—you deserve it!