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If you love creamy, tropical desserts that melt in your mouth, these Heavenly Coconut Cream Dream Bars will become your new go-to treat. With their buttery graham cracker crust, sweet coconut filling, and cloudlike homemade whipped cream topping, this recipe delivers layers of rich flavor in every bite. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare.

This dessert requires simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it ideal for beginner bakers and coconut lovers alike. Once chilled, each slice boasts a silky, velvety bite that feels luxurious and refreshing at the same time.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Coconut Filling

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup powdered sugar

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Crust

1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
2. Press firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Remove and let cool completely.

3. Create the Coconut Filling

1. In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and powdered sugar.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

4. Bake the Filling

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Cool completely before adding the topping.

5. Whip the Cream

Beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Do not overmix.

6. Assemble the Bars

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled coconut layer.

7. Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Top with toasted coconut flakes before slicing.

8. Serve

Cut into bars and enjoy chilled for the best texture.

Pro Tips

• Chill the bars overnight for the cleanest cuts and firmest layers.
• Use cold heavy cream for quicker, sturdier whipped cream.
• Toast your coconut flakes for deeper flavor and crunch.
• Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling after baking.

Why This Recipe Works

These bars are beloved for their:

• Simple, affordable ingredients
• Crowd-pleasing tropical flavor
• Perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures
• Make-ahead convenience
• Beautiful presentation for parties and gatherings

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free dessert.
• Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a lighter or dairy-free twist.
• Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Flavor Variations

• Add crushed pineapple to the filling for a tropical upgrade.
• Fold chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts into the mixture.
• Add a thin layer of white chocolate on top of the crust before the coconut layer.

Diet-Friendly Adjustments

• For vegan bars: use dairy-free butter, plant-based condensed milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

These bars are perfect for preparing 1 day in advance. The flavor improves as they chill.

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep the bars chilled until serving.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Do not microwave — they should be enjoyed cold.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with fresh pineapple or mango slices.
• Pair with iced tea, coconut milk beverages, or tropical fruit punch.
• Add a drizzle of caramel, chocolate sauce, or berry coulis.
• Use as a layered dessert in parfait cups for elegant presentation.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Serving Size: 1 bar

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Dream Bars too soft?

They likely didn’t chill long enough. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Can I make these bars without baking?

The filling needs baking to set properly, but you can use a no-bake crust if preferred.

Can I use fresh coconut?

Yes! Fresh coconut provides a more intense, natural flavor.

How can I lighten the recipe?

Use coconut condensed milk, reduced-sugar coconut, and light whipped topping.

These Coconut Cream Dream Bars combine rich coconut flavor, creamy layers, and a buttery golden crust to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing treats for a potluck, or simply craving a refreshing tropical sweet, this recipe delivers reliable, crowd-pleasing results every time. The blend of sweet coconut, velvety filling, and fluffy whipped topping creates a harmony of textures that makes each bite unforgettable. Easy to prepare, simple to customize, and perfect for storing ahead of time, these dream bars are a dessert you’ll return to again and again.

Coconut Cream Dream Bars – Easy Creamy Coconut Dessert with Graham Cracker Crust

Indulge in creamy Coconut Dream Bars with a buttery crust, rich coconut filling, and whipped topping. Perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Coconut Filling

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup powdered sugar

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Make the Crust

  Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.

  Press firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

  Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden.

  Remove and let cool completely.
• Create the Coconut Filling

  In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and powdered sugar.

  Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
• Bake the Filling

  Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.

  Cool completely before adding the topping.
• Whip the Cream

  Beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

  Do not overmix.
• Assemble the Bars

  Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled coconut layer.
• Chill and Garnish

  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  Top with toasted coconut flakes before slicing.
• Serve

  Cut into bars and enjoy chilled for the best texture.

Notes

• Refrigerate fully before slicing for clean cuts.
• Toast coconut flakes for best flavor.
• Store leftovers chilled for up to 1 week.

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