Description
These Coconut Cream Bars are a decadent, tropical dessert that combines a creamy coconut filling with a buttery crust. Topped with shredded coconut and baked to perfection, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavor. They’re easy to make and are the ideal treat for coconut lovers or when you want to impress guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and coconut milk (if using). Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle with additional shredded coconut if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving for a firmer texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a more intense coconut flavor, you can toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling or sprinkling it on top.
- If you prefer a more decadent topping, you can drizzle the bars with chocolate ganache.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For an extra tropical twist, try adding a layer of pineapple jam on top of the crust before adding the coconut cream filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg