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
Scale
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.
