Description
Island Dream Coconut Cream Bars are a luscious tropical treat featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy, sweet coconut filling. Finished with a layer of fluffy whipped topping and toasted coconut garnish, these bars are perfect for dessert lovers craving a taste of the islands.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Coconut Cream Filling:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup toasted coconut (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and softened butter until the mixture forms a dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, covering the bottom completely.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Coconut Cream Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, sweetened shredded coconut, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the coconut filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the coconut cream to firm up properly.
- Top with Whipped Topping and Toasted Coconut: After chilling, spread the whipped topping evenly over the coconut filling. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top as a garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the bars into 12-16 squares and serve chilled for a tropical dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully cooled before pouring in the coconut filling to prevent it from mixing.
- Whisk the filling constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- The bars taste best when chilled overnight but can be enjoyed after a minimum of 2 hours.
- For a homemade whipped topping, whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
