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
🍪 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