Coconut Cream Dream Bars (Printable)
Layers of crisp crust, creamy coconut, and whipped topping come together for a luscious dessert.
# What you'll need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Coconut Cream Filling
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat canned
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 4 large egg yolks
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
→ Topping
12 - 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Press mixture evenly into pan bottom. Bake 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
03 - Whisk milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
04 - Whisk egg yolks in separate bowl. Gradually whisk in 1 ladle of hot milk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan.
05 - Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and shredded coconut.
06 - Pour filling over cooled crust. Smooth top. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until set.
07 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over chilled coconut layer.
08 - Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before slicing into 16 bars.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The three layers create the most perfect textures in one bite
- They make you look like you spent hours when really it is mostly chill time
02 -
- Tempering the eggs slowly is non negotiable unless you want scrambled coconut bits instead of smooth custard
- The chilling time is when these bars really come together, so do not rush that hour in the refrigerator
03 -
- Toasting the coconut garnish until it is golden brown adds such incredible depth and aroma
- A splash of coconut extract in the filling kicks that tropical flavor up a notch without being overpowering