Espresso Custard Pie
This Espresso Custard Pie is a delightful, creamy dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavor of brewed coffee with the smoothness of coconut milk. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, this pie stands out with its plant-based ingredients and egg-free preparation. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it after a meal, this pie is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dessert without any fuss.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of espresso and coconut milk creates a luxurious taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers.
- Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe uses no eggs or dairy products, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
- Chill and Serve: It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient choice for busy hosts.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating your delicious pie.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Pie dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your crust ingredients thoroughly.
- Pie dish: Provides the perfect shape for your custard pie, ensuring even baking.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking the custard mixture to achieve that creamy texture.
- Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients
This Espresso Custard Pie is a creamy, plant-based dessert made with bold brewed coffee, coconut milk, and a flaky crust—no eggs, no drama.
For the Crust
- 1½ cups vegan grachicken chicken ham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
For the Custard Filling
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup brewed espresso
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but spicy)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Espresso Custard Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grachicken chicken ham crumbs, melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), and maple syrup.
- Press this mixture firmly into your pie dish to form an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Make the Custard Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brewed espresso, coconut milk, almond milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth—this should take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the custard filling into your cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Step 5: Serve
Slice into pieces and serve chilled. Feel free to top with vegan whipped cream or shaved chocolate for an extra touch!
How to Serve Espresso Custard Pie
Espresso Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging with a slice at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Elegant Presentation
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: Top each slice with a mix of raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Add a rich chocolate sauce over the pie to elevate its flavor profile.
Fun Pairings
- Serve with Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and complements the espresso flavor beautifully.
- Accompany with a Coffee Brew: Enjoying a cup of coffee alongside enhances the espresso notes in the pie.
Creative Serving Styles
- Pie à la Mode: Serve slices warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Mini Tarts: Bake in muffin tins for small individual servings, perfect for parties.
How to Perfect Espresso Custard Pie
To ensure your Espresso Custard Pie turns out creamy and delicious, consider these tips.
- Use Fresh Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso provides the best flavor. Avoid stale coffee for optimal taste.
- Chill Properly: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to let it set perfectly, making slicing easier.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the custard mixture before pouring it into the crust. You can add more sugar if desired.
- Whisk Thoroughly: Make sure to whisk the mixture well while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth custard.
Best Side Dishes for Espresso Custard Pie
Pairing side dishes with your Espresso Custard Pie can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the rich flavors of the pie and refreshes the palate.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies complement the coconut milk in the pie and add texture.
- Chocolate Covered Almonds: The crunchiness and slight bitterness of almonds enhance the espresso notes.
- Spiced Nuts Mix: A mix of spiced nuts provides a savory contrast that pairs nicely with sweetness.
- Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Small bites offer another creamy dessert option that guests will love.
- Coffee Granita: This icy treat made from brewed coffee offers a refreshing finish to your meal.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti is perfect for dipping alongside each bite of custard pie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Espresso Custard Pie can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong milk: If you substitute regular milk for almond or coconut milk, it may alter the flavor and texture. Stick to plant-based options for the best results.
- Not cooling the crust: A warm crust can lead to a soupy custard. Make sure your crust is completely cool before adding the filling.
- Overcooking the custard: Cooking too long can cause the custard to become grainy. Stir continuously and remove it from heat as soon as it thickens.
- Skipping the refrigeration step: Failing to chill your pie will result in a messy slice. Allow at least 2 hours for proper setting in the fridge.
- Ignoring measurement precision: Baking is a science. Be accurate with your ingredient amounts to ensure a successful pie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap if you’d like to avoid any odors from other foods.
Freezing Espresso Custard Pie
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Espresso Custard Pie
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 10-15 minutes until just heated through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Espresso Custard Pie?
Espresso Custard Pie is a creamy dessert made with espresso, coconut milk, and almond milk, creating a rich flavor without eggs or dairy.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes! You can substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk if you prefer. Just ensure they are plant-based alternatives.
How long does it take for the custard to set?
The custard should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing it time to firm up properly.
Can I customize my Espresso Custard Pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or adjust sweetness to your taste preferences. Toppings like vegan whipped cream also add flair.
Final Thoughts
This Espresso Custard Pie is not just delicious but also versatile. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or flavors—make it your own!
Espresso Custard Pie
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Espresso Custard Pie—a creamy, vegan dessert that seamlessly blends the rich, bold flavors of espresso with the lusciousness of coconut and almond milks. This egg-free treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a satisfying finish to meals or a sweet snack during gatherings. The flaky crust, made from vegan graham cracker crumbs, holds a velvety custard filling that sets beautifully in the refrigerator. Easy to prepare and pleasing to the palate, this pie is sure to impress your guests while accommodating various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1½ cups vegan graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup brewed espresso
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), and maple syrup. Press firmly into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brewed espresso, coconut milk, almond milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
- Pour the custard mixture into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Slice and serve chilled; add toppings like vegan whipped cream or fresh berries if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (92g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg