Name: Decadent Coconut Cream Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup butter, softened; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup powdered sugar (for topping); 1 cup whipped cream (for topping)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you're a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a touch of coconut, these Decadent Coconut Cream Bars are the perfect treat for you! This dessert brings together a buttery base, a luscious coconut cream filling, and a smooth coconut topping, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.

Decadent Coconut Cream Bars

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup butter, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for filling)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup powdered sugar (for topping)

1 cup whipped cream (for topping)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like texture.

Press the dough mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

While the crust cools, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.

Pour the coconut cream filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling sets and turns lightly golden on top.

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

Before serving, top with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Storage/Reheating

Once the bars are fully cooled and refrigerated, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. I wouldn't recommend reheating these bars, as they are best enjoyed chilled for the full creamy, refreshing experience.

FAQs

How can I make these coconut cream bars gluten-free?

You can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose works for baking, and the texture should remain similar to the original recipe.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut for the filling?

I prefer using unsweetened shredded coconut for the filling, as it helps balance the sweetness of the condensed milk. However, if you only have sweetened coconut on hand, you can use that as well, just be mindful that it will make the bars sweeter.

Can I freeze these coconut cream bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars! To freeze, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. Be sure to place a layer of parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking together. They should stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Can I make these coconut cream bars in a larger or smaller dish?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the baking dish. If you use a larger dish, the bars may turn out thinner, so keep an eye on the baking time. For a smaller dish, the bars may be thicker, and you may need to adjust the baking times accordingly.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

To make these coconut cream bars dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream or almond cream). Be sure to use a dairy-free whipped cream topping as well.

Conclusion

These Decadent Coconut Cream Bars are a dessert lover's dream. With their rich coconut flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible sweetness, they're sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, they’re easy to make and even better when prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these coconut-filled delights as much as I do!

Recipe:

Decadent Coconut Cream Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Decadent Coconut Cream Bars feature a buttery crust, creamy coconut filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, making them a tropical treat perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like texture.
Press the dough mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
While the crust cools, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.
Pour the coconut cream filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling sets and turns lightly golden on top.
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, top with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.