Coconut Cream Dream Bars (Printable Version)

Layers of crisp crust, creamy coconut filling, and whipped topping combine into a delightful 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 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, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing 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 until set. 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 ladle hot milk mixture into yolks while whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Return mixture to saucepan.
05 - Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and shredded coconut until fully incorporated.
06 - Pour warm filling over cooled crust. Smooth surface with spatula. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour until completely set and firm.
07 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over chilled coconut layer.
08 - Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over whipped cream. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set. Lift from pan using parchment overhang and slice into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crisp crust, silky filling, and airy topping is absolutely addictive
  • They come together faster than most layered desserts but taste like you spent hours
  • Perfect make ahead treat that actually gets better after chilling overnight
02 -
  • Run your knife under hot water between slices for the cleanest cuts
  • These need at least 4 hours to fully set, but overnight is even better
  • If the filling looks lumpy after tempering, just whisk it vigorously while it finishes cooking
03 -
  • Toasting your coconut flakes in a dry pan brings out nutty flavors you can't get any other way
  • A sprinkle of sea salt on top creates that sweet salty combo everyone secretly loves

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