Coconut Cream Dream Bars (Printable)
Layers of crisp crust, creamy coconut filling, and fluffy topping for a tropical treat.
# What You 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 full-fat canned coconut milk
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 an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Press mixture evenly into the pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
03 - Whisk together milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
04 - Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually add a ladle of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
05 - Cook while whisking until thick and bubbling, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and shredded coconut.
06 - Pour filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
07 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled coconut layer.
08 - Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 16 bars.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The three distinct textures mean every bite feels like discovering something new
- They're impossibly impressive but actually come together in under an hour of active time
02 -
- Tempering the eggs slowly is the difference between silky coconut custard and a sweet scrambled egg disaster
- These bars need at least that full chill time or they'll slide apart when you try to slice them, looking gorgeous but tasting messy
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients come together faster and more smoothly, so pull everything out about 30 minutes before you start
- If your whipped cream starts looking grainy while mixing, you've gone too far, but you can sometimes save it by folding in a splash of fresh cream