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Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Coconut Cream Pie Bars - A Slice of Tropical Paradise

Indulge in these Coconut Cream Pie Bars, a delightful twist on classic dessert featuring creamy coconut custard and a buttery crust.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs Substitution: Use Graham cracker crumbs with an extra tablespoon of sugar.
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup toasted sweetened coconut Toast at 350°F until golden (7-10 minutes).
For the Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature Use room temperature for better mixing.
  • 3 tablespoons AE Dairy Whole Milk Other brands may be used.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Coconut Custard
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large egg yolks, beaten Temper yolks carefully to avoid curdling.
  • 4 cups AE Dairy Whole Milk
  • cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract Use pure extract for best results.
  • 1 1/2 cups toasted sweetened coconut
For the Whipped Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups AE Dairy Heavy Whipping Cream Whip to stiff peaks for better structure.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • toasted coconut for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the sweetened coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 7 to 10 minutes until golden.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted salted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/4 cup of toasted coconut and mix until coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan and chill.
  3. In a saucepan, whisk together 1 1/3 cups sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch with 4 cups of AE Dairy whole milk. Cook over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, whisk in 6 beaten egg yolks with a splash of hot mixture. Return to low heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until very thick.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 1 ½ cups toasted coconut. Let it cool slightly before refrigerating.
  6. Beat together 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons of AE Dairy whole milk until smooth. Spread over the chilled crust.
  7. Pour the cooled custard over the cream cheese layer and chill for 30 minutes.
  8. Whip 1 1/2 cups of AE Dairy heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 tablespoon vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  9. Spread whipped topping over the custard layer and garnish with remaining toasted coconut. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 4mg

Notes

These bars are perfect for gatherings and can be prepared a day in advance for deeper flavors.

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