🥥 Old-Fashioned Coconut Molasses Pie – A Southern Classic with Deep, Caramel Flavor

Step back in time with this Old-Fashioned Coconut Molasses Pie, a true taste of vintage Southern baking. This pie combines the rich, smoky sweetness of molasses with the tropical warmth of toasted coconut, baked into a flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

It’s a dessert that feels like a hug from your grandmother’s kitchen — nostalgic, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance of gooey sweetness, coconut chewiness, and deep caramel notes that only molasses can provide.

Perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave an old-fashioned treat, this pie is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

---

🥧 Why You’ll Love This Pie

✔️ Rich, old-fashioned flavor – Molasses adds depth and warmth that sugar alone can’t match.
✔️ Toasted coconut texture – Sweet, nutty, and chewy in every bite.
✔️ Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – No fancy tools or ingredients required.
✔️ Perfect for holidays – Especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.
✔️ Beautifully rustic – Looks homemade, tastes divine.

---

🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Filling:

• ¾ cup (180ml) dark molasses
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (90g) sweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for topping
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

For the Crust:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

---

🥄 Optional Garnish:

• Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
• Toasted coconut flakes
• A drizzle of molasses or caramel sauce

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make Old-Fashioned Coconut Molasses Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the lower middle.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

• If using store-bought crust, unroll it and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
• Crimp or flute the edges and set aside.
• You can partially bake the crust for 8 minutes if you prefer a crispier bottom.

---

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Stir in shredded coconut until fully combined.

💡 The mixture will be thin before baking — that’s normal! It thickens beautifully in the oven.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
• Sprinkle a small handful of extra coconut on top for a toasted golden finish.

---

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.
The top should be golden brown and slightly caramelized.

If the edges of your crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil halfway through baking.

---

Step 6: Cool & Serve

• Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
• This helps the filling set perfectly.
• Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.

---

🥥 Optional Variations

✨ Coconut-Pecan Molasses Pie: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans for nutty crunch.
✨ Coconut Cream Molasses Pie: Substitute ¼ cup of the milk with coconut milk for extra tropical flavor.
✨ Spiced Molasses Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon ginger for a holiday twist.
✨ Crumb-Topped Version: Sprinkle the top with a brown sugar–butter–flour crumble before baking for added texture.

---

🧊 Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

---

💡 Tips for Perfect Results

✔️ Use dark molasses (like Grandma’s or Brer Rabbit) for richer flavor — avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter.
✔️ Don’t overbake — the center should still jiggle slightly when done; it firms up as it cools.
✔️ Cool completely before slicing — this ensures clean, even cuts.
✔️ Lightly toast the coconut for extra aroma and flavor depth.

---

❤️ Why This Recipe Is So Special

This Old-Fashioned Coconut Molasses Pie is a nod to a simpler time — when pies were made from scratch with pantry staples and a whole lot of love. The deep sweetness of molasses mingles with buttery coconut, creating a gooey, custard-like filling that feels both humble and indulgent.

It’s the kind of pie that graced farmhouse tables across the South generations ago — a slice of true Americana with a tropical twist. Every bite feels like nostalgia wrapped in flaky pastry.

---

🍽 Perfect Pairings

This rich, old-fashioned pie pairs beautifully with:
☕ Hot coffee or espresso – balances the sweetness
🍨 Vanilla bean ice cream – adds creamy contrast
🥥 Coconut whipped cream – enhances the tropical notes
🍷 Sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Tawny Port

---

🏁 Final Thoughts

Rich, silky, and deeply satisfying, Old-Fashioned Coconut Molasses Pie is the ultimate Southern comfort dessert. Its caramel-like molasses base and chewy coconut texture create a nostalgic, soul-warming treat that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and watch as every bite brings smiles around the table. This isn’t just pie — it’s a taste of history, baked to perfection. 🥥🥧✨

Print