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Coconut Cream Dream Bars

🥥🍰 Coconut Cream Dream Bars


  • Author: iliass
  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Description

Coconut Cream Dream Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert for coconut lovers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese and coconut filling, and a light whipped topping finished with toasted coconut flakes, these bars deliver a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tropical flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

🍪 For the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

🥥 For the Coconut Cream Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant coconut cream pudding mix (or vanilla pudding if unavailable)
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed

🍦 For the Topping

  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup toasted shredded coconut
  • White chocolate curls (optional)

✨ Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped macadamia nuts
  • Toasted pecans
  • Fresh pineapple chunks
  • Lime zest
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix together:

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Bake for 8–10 minutes.

Cool completely.

(For a completely no-bake version, refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes instead of baking.)


Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

Whisk together:

  • Coconut cream pudding mix
  • Cold milk

for about 2 minutes until thickened.

Let stand for 5 minutes.


Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat together:

  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla
  • Coconut extract

until smooth.

Fold in the prepared pudding.

Then gently fold in:

  • Shredded coconut
  • Whipped topping

Mix until fully combined.


Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the coconut filling evenly over the cooled crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula.


Step 5: Add the Topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the filling.

Sprinkle generously with toasted coconut.

Decorate with white chocolate curls if desired.


Step 6: Chill

Cover tightly.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.


Step 7: Slice

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut clean squares.


Step 8: Serve

Serve chilled.

Garnish with extra toasted coconut or fresh pineapple if desired.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Toast the coconut until lightly golden for enhanced flavor.
  • Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.
  • Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the filling light.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly if adding fruit.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 6 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 29g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Protein: 5g