Coconut Cream Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a buttery crust, luscious creamy filling, and toasted coconut topping. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating these decadent bars from scratch. Whether you’re a coconut enthusiast or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Introduction

Discover the joy of indulging in Coconut Cream Pie Bars, a heavenly dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of coconut, creamy filling, and flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Why Choose Coconut Cream Pie Bars?

Rich and Creamy Texture:

Indulge in the velvety smooth texture of the creamy coconut filling, perfectly complemented by the crispiness of the toasted coconut topping.

Homemade Goodness:

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create these bars from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen, ensuring freshness and quality with every bite.

Versatile Dessert Option:

Whether served as a sweet ending to a dinner party or enjoyed as a midday snack, Coconut Cream Pie Bars are a versatile dessert option that’s sure to please dessert lovers of all ages.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 15 bars
• Energy: 500 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Filling:

• 3 cups half and half
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a double thickness of aluminum foil, leaving 2-3 inches to extend over long sides. Spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix crust ingredients and spread them into the baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges of the crust begin to brown. Set aside to cool.
3. Spread 1 cup of coconut on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until golden brown. Set aside for topping.

Make the Filling:

1. In a bowl, whisk together half and half and egg yolks. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and cornstarch. Slowly stir in half and half mixture while whisking.
2. Increase heat to high and continue whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in milk, coconut, coconut extract, and salt. Add both vanilla and coconut extracts.
3. Spread the pudding mixture over the crust and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Make the Topping:

1. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, pour in heavy whipping cream and set the mixer to medium-high speed.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until soft peaks form.
3. Spread whipped cream over chilled pie filling and top with toasted coconut.
4. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Cut into bars before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Substitute Cool Whip: If desired, you can use Cool Whip as a substitute for homemade whipped cream topping.
• Storage: Freshly baked Coconut Cream Pie Bars will be kept for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Recommended Coconut Cream Brands: Savoy Coconut Cream and Nature’s Charm Coco Whipping Cream are highly recommended coconut creams available in the market.

FAQs (Based on “People Also Ask” Section)

Can I Freeze Coconut Cream Pie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze Coconut Cream Pie Bars for future enjoyment. Simply wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How Do I Prevent the Crust from Becoming Soggy?

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, ensure that it is fully baked before adding the filling. Additionally, you can brush the cooled crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate to create a barrier between the crust and the filling.

Can I Use Coconut Flour in Place of All-Purpose Flour for the Crust?

While coconut flour can add a subtle coconut flavor to the crust, it is not recommended to use it as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour, which can affect the texture of the crust. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for optimal results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Coconut Cream Pie Bars are a delectable dessert option that’s sure to delight your taste buds with their creamy coconut filling and buttery crust. Whether served as a sweet indulgence after a meal or enjoyed as a special treat for any occasion, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bars in no time. So why wait? Treat yourself to the heavenly goodness of Coconut Cream Pie Bars today!