Buko Pie
This Buko (Coconut) Pie recipe is just like the one from the Philippines. The recipe is entirely different from the other coconut pie I posted. This sweet delight is the derived from the southern provinces of Luzon. The coconut filling is creamy and the crust flaky, unlike the other coco pie where I used bread crust. I remember buying a box or two of these famous pies of the south after visiting Lucena (city in south Luzon). Let’s start with making buko pie to satisfy that craving! On y va! Let’s go!
It’s incredibly easy to make, no fancy ingredients required. You might even have everything you need on hand. You can make it with pre-made pie crust or make your own.
The secret ingredient is always LOVE
Tips for Buko Pie.
- Use fresh young coconut meat for best results. Desiccated coconut will not work.
Buko Pie
Ingredients
Ingredients for crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 185 grams cold butter or vegetable shortening (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5-6 tbsp ice cold water
Ingredients for buko filling
- 1 cup coconut juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 tbsp cornstarch dissolve in 1/3 cup coconut juice (slurry or thickening agent)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups young coconut meat
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg (for eggwash)
Instructions
Making the crust
- In a bowl. Pour flour, salt, cold butter. Using your hands mix them together until you have a sandy/crumbly texture.2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 185 grams cold butter or vegetable shortening
- Gradually add ice cold water, 1 tablespoon at at time, while kneading gently with your hands until it forms into a rough dough.5-6 tbsp ice cold water
- Divide dough in two equal parts and wrap each dough in cling wrap. While wrapped, shape each dough into a flat disc.
- Place dough in the refrigerator and let chill for at least 30 minutes.
For making the filling
- In a cooking pot or saucepan over low heat, scald evaporated milk or until small bubbles appear around the outside of the saucepan.1 cup evaporated milk
- Add coconut juice and sugar then stir until sugar dissolves. Pour vanilla extract and stir to incorporate. Simmer for a few seconds.1 cup coconut juice, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the slurry or cornstarch mixture. Simmer while stirring until you achieve a thick creamy texture.3 tbsp cornstarch dissolve in 1/3 cup coconut juice
- Add young coconut meat and salt then gently mix to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.3 cups young coconut meat, 1/4 tsp salt
- Remove from heat and set aside to completely cool down.
Baking the pie
- Pre-heat oven at 170° C or 340° F. Prepare 26cm x 3 cm round baking pan.
- Take out one of the dough from the fridge an place in a flat surface slightly dusted with flour. Flatten with rolling pin until it fits the pie pan with an additional inch allowance for the edges.
- Gently fold the rolled dough in half then place the dough on top of the pie pan with the folded part precisely in the middle. Unfold the pie dough and gently press the dough on the bottom and sides.
- Using a kitchen knife, trim off excess dough, leaving at least a 1 cm overhang. Poke the bottom with fork to release steam when baking.
- Pour in the cooled down buko (coconut) filling into the baking pan and distribute evenly.
- Flatten the other dough and lay on top of the filling. Seal the sides by pinching with your fingers or pressing down with a fork. Poke the top of the pie as well to let steam escape while baking.
- Brush egg wash on the surface then place the pie inside the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on the oven you use.1 egg
- Remove from oven and let it cool down. Cut into slices and serve. Bon Appetit!
Made some for Thanksgiving gathering with friend. Some thought it was store bought.
Hi Ashley,
Thank you and I’m happy you and your friends liked it. Keep safe!
can I use margarine instead of shortening?
hi Criselda,
Yes, you can use margarine