Creamy Coconut Bars

🥥 Creamy Coconut Bars

(A tropical twist on classic dessert bars—chewy coconut crust with a luscious creamy topping!)

📝 Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
⅓ cup melted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ cup shredded coconut (toasted for extra flavor)

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup full-fat coconut milk (use the creamy top layer)
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
¼ tsp salt

For the Topping:

1 cup whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream)
½ cup toasted coconut flakes
Lime zest (optional, for brightness)

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and shredded coconut. Press firmly into the pan.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, then cool.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan, whisk condensed milk, coconut milk, egg yolks, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~5-7 mins).
Pour over the crust and chill 2+ hours (or overnight) until set.

3. Add Toppings

Spread whipped cream over the filling.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut and lime zest.

4. Slice & Serve

Cut into squares and enjoy chilled!

🌟 Pro Tips

✔ Toast coconut for the crust and topping for deeper flavor (350°F for 5 mins, stir often).
✔ No-bake option? Skip baking the crust—just chill 1 hour before adding filling.
✔ Dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut whipped cream.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
Serve with fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical vibe.
Perfect for potlucks or holiday parties—they travel well!

These bars are creamy, coconutty, and irresistibly rich! Want a chocolate-coconut version? Add cocoa powder to the crust! 😍