Coconut Cream Pie

Step 1

In a bowl combine the dry pudding mix powder with the half & half. Stir with a wire whisk until completely combined and creamy.Let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can thicken up. Evenly spread 1½ cups of the pudding into the prepared pie crust (this is the 1st layer). Set aside the remaining pudding.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar and beat with a handheld mixer until combined. Fold in the Cool Whip and stir, using a spatula, until completely combined.Add half of this mixture to the remaining coconut pudding mix. Stir together until combined and add to the pie crust (as the 2nd layer).

Step 3

Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top (for the 3rd layer) OR you can save this layer and pipe it on top of the pie (like what I did in the pictures) before you serve it. Cover the pie with the enclosed lid from the graham cracker crust and let it refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight.

Step 4

If you saved the 3rd layer pipe that on top of the pie before serving and garnish the pie with toasted coconut.

Step 5

Heat oven to 325°. Spread 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut on a cookie sheet and bake for 4 minutes, stir, and bake for another 4 minutes until the coconut is browned and toasted. You may have to cook it for longer until it reaches a light golden brown color. Watch it carefully as it can burn very quickly.