If you have a soft spot for rich, tropical flavors that melt in your mouth, then this Coconut Cream Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine a perfectly crisp buttery crust crowned with a luscious, creamy coconut filling that’s lightly sweetened and baked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible combination that captures all the cozy warmth of comfort food with a fresh twist of exotic flair, making every bite a mini-vacation for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Coconut Cream Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the creamy coconut filling, these simple pantry staples come together to make something truly special and memorable.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base for the crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness to the crust without graininess, giving a smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve that golden, flaky bottom layer.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Infuses the bars with the signature coconut flavor and delightful texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling just right, balancing the natural coconut flavor.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the filling that perfect set without being too firm.
- Heavy cream: Enhances the luscious creaminess of the coconut filling for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients together and help the custard set evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the coconut beautifully.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Coconut milk (optional): Boosts coconut creaminess even further for an extra dreamy texture.
- Additional shredded coconut (optional): Perfect for topping with a toasty, visually appealing finish.
How to Make Coconut Cream Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar, then cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden shade. This crust is the foundation of your bars – crisp yet tender, and packed with buttery goodness.
Step 2: Make the creamy coconut filling
While your crust cools, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until it thickens and just begins to simmer. This step is key to achieving that silky, custard-like texture that holds everything together.
Step 3: Add shredded coconut and optional coconut milk
Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut for that distinct tropical flavor and texture. If you are feeling indulgent, add the optional coconut milk here for an even creamier filling. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes—this helps it set more evenly when baked.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the coconut filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like a little extra coconut crunch, sprinkle on the additional shredded coconut. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling feels set. This final bake brings everything together into a cohesive, mouthwatering treat.
Step 5: Cool and chill
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature, then pop them in the fridge for at least an hour to chill. This chilling step gives your bars a firmer texture that’s easier to cut and even more refreshing to enjoy. Once chilled, slice into squares and get ready to delight in every bite.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch like a dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted coconut flakes on top can elevate these bars from delicious to show-stopping. A light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully as well, adding a bit of extra sweetness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of fresh fruit salad, perhaps with mango or pineapple to enhance the tropical notes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or a lightly brewed tea also makes a wonderful companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert platter, consider layering the coconut cream bars with fresh berries in a trifle bowl, or stacking smaller cut bars on a decorative plate with edible flowers. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for an elegant party appetizer or pack them into individual dessert jars for an easy grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Coconut Cream Bars Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain their texture and flavor well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly in short increments to avoid melting the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! Using unsweetened shredded coconut will give your bars a more natural coconut flavor and reduce the overall sweetness, which can be ideal if you prefer a less sugary treat. You might want to adjust added sugars accordingly.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before serving?
Chilling is highly recommended because it helps the filling set firmly, making the bars easier to cut and enhancing their creamy texture. If served right after cooling, the filling might be too soft or runny.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream?
Yes, coconut cream makes a fantastic dairy-free swap that amplifies the coconut flavor even more. Just keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly, making the filling a bit thicker and richer.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Baking the crust first until lightly golden before adding the filling is key to preventing sogginess. Make sure to press the crust firmly and bake it thoroughly to create a solid base that holds up well once the creamy filling is added.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. This swap works well without compromising taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Cream Bars Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of tropical sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these bars strike the perfect balance between rich creaminess and satisfying crunch. You’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, and I can’t wait for you to make them a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Coconut Cream Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coconut Cream Bars are a luscious dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy, coconut-infused filling. Baked to golden perfection and chilled for a firmer texture, they offer a delightful combination of rich coconut flavor and smooth creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup additional shredded coconut for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat. Cook this mixture while whisking constantly until it thickens and starts to simmer, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Coconut and Cool Slightly: Remove the thickened mixture from heat and stir in the shredded coconut along with the optional coconut milk for extra creaminess. Let this filling cool for about 5 minutes to slightly thicken before pouring.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the coconut filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake Filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set firmly. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Serve: To achieve a firmer texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your creamy coconut bars!
Notes
- Optional coconut milk adds extra creaminess to the filling but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and cleaner edges when slicing the bars.
- Chilling is important to set the filling and improve the texture before serving.
- These bars are best stored refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
