No-Bake

Coconut Cream Bars

Name: Coconut Cream Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 9 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup toasted coconut flakes; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

By Romy Vanover · June 19, 2026 · No-Bake

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total240 min

Serves9

As a home cook, I've always been drawn to desserts that are both elegant and effortless. My coconut cream bars are the perfect example of this - a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat that requires no baking whatsoever. I still remember the first time I made these bars for a family gathering; the combination of the crunchy graham cracker crust, the creamy coconut filling, and the toasted coconut flakes on top was an instant hit.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to a week, and even freeze it for up to two months. The coconut cream bars are also incredibly easy to customize - you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, use different types of nuts for the crust, or even add a layer of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

As a busy home cook, I know how important it is to have a reliable and easy-to-make dessert recipe up your sleeve. That's why I'm excited to share my coconut cream bars recipe with you. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and impressive results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what makes these coconut cream bars so special? For starters, the combination of sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and shredded coconut creates a rich and creamy filling that's simply divine. The graham cracker crust adds a nice crunch and texture, while the toasted coconut flakes on top provide a beautiful golden brown color and a nice toasted flavor.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these incredible coconut cream bars. From preparing the crust to chilling the filling, I'll share my tips and tricks for ensuring that your bars turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These coconut cream bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking whatsoever.
The combination of sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and shredded coconut creates a rich and creamy filling that's simply divine.
The graham cracker crust adds a nice crunch and texture, while the toasted coconut flakes on top provide a beautiful golden brown color and a nice toasted flavor.
These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks and parties.
You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge for up to a week, and even freeze them for up to two months.
The coconut cream bars are also incredibly easy to customize - you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, use different types of nuts for the crust, or even add a layer of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great coconut cream bars is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the texture and consistency of the filling. By using sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and shredded coconut, you'll create a rich and creamy filling that's both smooth and indulgent.

Another important factor is the temperature and chilling time. By chilling the filling for at least 4 hours, you'll allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set properly. This will result in a smooth and creamy filling that's perfect for slicing and serving.

Finally, the ratio of crust to filling is crucial. By using a generous amount of graham cracker crust, you'll create a sturdy base that can hold the creamy filling without becoming too soggy or weak. This will ensure that your bars are easy to slice and serve, and that they'll hold their shape beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these incredible coconut cream bars, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and shredded coconut. You'll also need some unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to bring everything together.

When shopping for your ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality graham cracker crumbs that are fresh and flavorful. You'll also want to select a good-quality sweetened condensed milk that's not too sweet or overpowering.

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbsUse high-quality graham cracker crumbs that are fresh and flavorful. You can also use chocolate sandwich cookies or other types of cookies for a different flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugarUse a fine-grained sugar that will dissolve easily and add a touch of sweetness to the crust.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, meltedUse high-quality unsalted butter that's fresh and flavorful. You can also use salted butter if you prefer a slightly savory flavor.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milkUse a good-quality sweetened condensed milk that's not too sweet or overpowering. You can also use a combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream for a lighter flavor.
1 cup heavy creamUse high-quality heavy cream that's fresh and flavorful. You can also use half-and-half or a combination of heavy cream and milk for a lighter flavor.
1 cup shredded coconutUse fresh and flavorful shredded coconut that's not too sweet or overpowering. You can also toast the coconut flakes in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to enhance the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractUse high-quality vanilla extract that's fresh and flavorful. You can also use a combination of vanilla extract and other flavorings, such as almond extract or coconut extract, for a unique flavor.
1/4 teaspoon saltUse a fine-grained salt that will dissolve easily and add a touch of flavor to the filling. You can also omit the salt if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
1 cup toasted coconut flakesUse fresh and flavorful toasted coconut flakes that are not too sweet or overpowering. You can also toast the coconut flakes in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to enhance the flavor.
1/2 cup chopped pecansUse fresh and flavorful chopped pecans that are not too sweet or overpowering. You can also use other types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a different flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or whisk9x9-inch baking dishGraham cracker crust press or flat bottom of a glassInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixer or food processor

How to Make Coconut Cream Bars

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture is well combined.
2
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish. Use a graham cracker crust press or the flat bottom of a glass to evenly compress the crumbs.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and shredded coconut. Mix until the coconut is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
4
Add the vanilla extract and salt to the coconut mixture and mix until well combined.
5
Pour the coconut mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
6
Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set.
7
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes and chopped pecans over the top of the bars.
8
Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled.
9
If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
10
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh and flavorful graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut.
Don't overmix the coconut mixture, as this can cause it to become too thick and sticky.
If using a combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream, adjust the ratio to your taste.
To toast the coconut flakes, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To make the bars more decadent, add a layer of caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt on top.
Experiment with different flavor combinations, such as adding a teaspoon of almond extract or using a combination of coconut and pecans for a unique flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not chilling the bars for a sufficient amount of time, resulting in a filling that's too soft or runny.
Overmixing the coconut mixture, causing it to become too thick and sticky.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a filling that's too sweet or overpowering.
Not pressing the crust evenly, resulting in a crust that's too thick or uneven.
Not toasting the coconut flakes, resulting in a flavor that's too bland or uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the coconut mixture for a unique flavor.
Use a combination of coconut and pecans for a different texture and flavor.
Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique flavor.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for a more decadent treat.
Use a combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream for a lighter flavor.

What to Serve With Coconut Cream Bars

These coconut cream bars are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or other gatherings. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference, and serve chilled. Consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea, or with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.

Some other ideas for serving these bars include:

- A fruit salad, such as a mix of fresh berries or sliced peaches.

- A green salad, such as a mix of baby greens or a simple spinach salad.

- A scoop of ice cream, such as vanilla or coconut.

- A cup of coffee or tea, such as a latte or a chai.

A fruit salad, such as a mix of fresh berries or sliced peaches.A green salad, such as a mix of baby greens or a simple spinach salad.A scoop of ice cream, such as vanilla or coconut.A cup of coffee or tea, such as a latte or a chai.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These coconut cream bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cut the bars into squares or rectangles, place them in a single layer in the container, and refrigerate.

If you want to freeze the bars, simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

When storing the bars, be sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as the coconut can absorb odors easily. You can also wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easier storage and serving.

Some other tips for storing and serving these bars include:

- Keeping them away from direct sunlight, as the coconut can become discolored.

- Storing them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.

- Serving them chilled, as the filling can become too soft or runny at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different type of nut for the crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of nut for the crust, such as walnuts or almonds. Simply substitute the pecans with your preferred nut and proceed with the recipe.

Can I add a layer of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to the bars?

Yes, you can add a layer of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to the bars for a more decadent treat. Simply drizzle the sauce over the top of the bars before serving.

Can I use a combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream for a lighter flavor?

Yes, you can use a combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream for a lighter flavor. Simply adjust the ratio to your taste and proceed with the recipe.

How do I toast the coconut flakes?

To toast the coconut flakes, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make these bars in a different size pan, such as an 8x8-inch or 10x10-inch pan. Simply adjust the baking time and the amount of crust and filling accordingly.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too soft or runny?

To prevent the bars from becoming too soft or runny, be sure to chill them for a sufficient amount of time and to not overmix the coconut mixture.

Can I add a teaspoon of almond extract to the coconut mixture for a unique flavor?

Yes, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the coconut mixture for a unique flavor. Simply add the extract to the mixture and proceed with the recipe.

The Full Recipe

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