Coconut lovers, this one’s for you! These Coconut Cream Bars are a dreamy combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy coconut filling, and a perfectly sweet finish. They’re rich but not overwhelming, with just the right amount of chew from the coconut and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them impossible to resist. Simple to prepare with only a few ingredients, they’re a wonderful dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a tropical-inspired treat.
The crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter, pressed firmly into a pan for a sturdy yet tender base. On top, sweetened condensed milk blends with more coconut to create a luscious layer that bakes up golden, chewy, and wonderfully fragrant. Every bite feels like a little slice of paradise.
Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for topping layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the crust, spreading it out with a spatula.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares or bars. This helps them firm up and makes for clean slices.
For serving, you can leave them as they are for a simple presentation, or sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes on top for a little extra flavor and texture. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars adds a delicious finishing touch.
Storage is easy. Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individual bars in parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Coconut Cream Bars are a treat that feels both classic and tropical, offering the comfort of a chewy bar with the freshness of coconut flavor. They’re rich enough to satisfy a sweet craving but light enough to enjoy with an afternoon coffee or tea. Once you try them, they’re sure to become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion.