convenient, shareable form? These coconut cream pie bars deliver all the creamy, tropical goodness you love in an easy-to-serve square that's perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply treating yourself. I've been making these coconut cream pie bars for years, and they never fail to disappear within minutes at every gathering. The buttery crust, silky coconut cream filling, and fluffy whipped topping create layers of pure heaven in every bite.

What makes these coconut cream pie bars truly special is how they capture the essence of traditional coconut cream pie while being significantly easier to prepare and serve. No need to worry about soggy bottom crusts or messy slicing; these bars hold their shape beautifully and can be made ahead of time. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting your dessert journey, these coconut cream pie bars will become your go-to recipe for impressing family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

A Tropical Treasure: Why This Recipe Stands Out

The magic of coconut cream pie bars lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors that work together harmoniously. Unlike traditional pies that require careful crimping and blind-baking, these bars use a simple press-in crust that bakes to golden perfection every time. The coconut cream filling is made with real coconut cream and sweetened coconut flakes, creating an authentic tropical flavor that tastes like a vacation in every bite. This recipe has been refined over countless batches to ensure the filling sets perfectly while remaining luxuriously creamy.

What truly sets these coconut cream pie bars apart from other coconut dessert bars is the triple coconut experience. We incorporate coconut in the crust through coconut oil or butter, fold it into the cream filling, and toast it for the spectacular topping. The result is a dessert that coconut lovers dream about. These coconut cream pie bars also have the advantage of being portable and easy to serve, making them ideal for bake sales, office parties, or family reunions where you want to make a lasting impression without the stress of transporting a delicate pie.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment For Coconut Cream Pie Bars
• Recipe Variations
• Storage
• The Secret to Irresistible Bars
• FAQ
• Your New Favorite Dessert Awaits
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

For the Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

For the Coconut Cream Filling

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Coconut cream
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Egg yolks
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Coconut extract
• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Unsalted butter

For the Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Sweetened shredded coconut

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper
• Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl
• Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
• Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan
• Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden around the edges
• Allow to cool completely while you prepare the filling

Make the Coconut Cream Filling

• Whisk together milk, heavy cream, coconut cream, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt in a large saucepan
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut extract, shredded coconut, and butter
• Pour the hot filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly
• Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set

Add the Topping and Serve

• Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently
• Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form
• Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set coconut filling
• Sprinkle the toasted coconut generously over the top
• Cut into bars and serve chilled

Equipment For Coconut Cream Pie Bars

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Sharp knife for cutting bars
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small skillet for toasting coconut

Expert Cooking Tips

• Use full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk, for the richest flavor and best texture in your coconut cream pie bars
• Toast the coconut topping just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent sogginess
• Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling when cutting the bars
• Stir the filling constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, creamy texture
• Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for the fluffiest topping
• Use room temperature egg yolks for easier mixing and smoother filling
• Line the pan with parchment paper extending over the edges for easy removal and clean cutting

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Coconut Cream Bars: Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the crust and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished coconut cream pie bars
• Lime Coconut Bars: Add lime zest and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the filling for a tropical twist
• Almond Joy Bars: Mix mini chocolate chips and chopped almonds into the filling layer
• No-Bake Version: Use a graham cracker crust and chill instead of baking for easy no-bake coconut cream bars
• Macadamia Coconut Bars: Fold chopped toasted macadamia nuts into the filling for added crunch
• Rum-Flavored Bars: Replace vanilla extract with rum extract for an adult-friendly version
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store coconut cream pie bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
• Thawing: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving
• Serving: Keep these bars refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain the best texture
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the crust and filling up to 2 days in advance; add whipped topping just before serving
• Covering: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent the bars from absorbing refrigerator odors

FAQ

Your New Favorite Dessert Awaits

These coconut cream pie bars represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence, delivering all the classic flavors of traditional coconut cream pie in an easy-to-serve format that's ideal for any occasion. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll find yourself making these bars again and again, perhaps experimenting with the variations or adding your own creative touches. The beauty of coconut cream pie bars is their versatility; they're equally at home at an elegant dinner party or a casual backyard barbecue, always earning rave reviews and recipe requests from everyone who tries them.

If you loved these coconut cream pie bars, you'll definitely want to explore other classic desserts that deliver nostalgic flavors with modern convenience. Try our Classic Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe for another creamy, comforting treat that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients done right. For fruit lovers, The Best Dutch Apple Pie Topping Recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a crumbly, irresistible topping. These three recipes together create a dessert repertoire that will make you the star of every gathering. Each one celebrates timeless flavors while offering that homemade touch that makes desserts truly special and memorable.

From my kitchen, with heart.
Emily Nelson ❤️

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Pairing

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