Description
Island Dream Coconut Cream Bars are a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a rich coconut cream filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. Perfect for a refreshing summer treat, these bars combine the sweetness of coconut and condensed milk with a creamy texture and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, coconut cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the coconut cream mixture evenly over the baked crust, spreading it out uniformly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set.
- Cool the bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
- Add the topping: Once cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top surface of the bars.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream topping. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into 9 bars and serve chilled for a delicious tropical treat.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped macadamia nuts or white chocolate chips to the filling mixture before baking.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Using full-fat coconut cream will yield the richest and creamiest flavor in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
