Escape to a tropical paradise with every bite of these exquisite Coconut Cream Pie Bars. Indulge in the luscious combination of creamy coconut filling, buttery crust, and toasted coconut topping, all beautifully crafted into a delightful dessert that will transport you to sun-kissed shores and swaying palm trees. These bars are the perfect fusion of indulgence and nostalgia, offering a taste of the tropics in every delectable square.

Ingredients that Capture the Essence of Paradise

To create these heavenly Coconut Cream Pie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the coconut cream filling:

• 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

For the whipped cream topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract
• Additional toasted coconut for garnish (optional)

A Journey to Tropical Bliss

Follow these simple steps to embark on a culinary journey to coconut cream paradise:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and sugar.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the crumbs down.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
6. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to the whisked egg yolks, whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
8. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the filling becomes thick and smooth. This process should take another 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened shredded coconut. Mix until the butter is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined.
10. Pour the coconut cream filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
11. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
12. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and coconut extract. Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form.
13. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled coconut cream filling, creating an indulgent layer of creamy goodness.
14. For an added touch of tropical delight, sprinkle toasted coconut over the whipped cream. The toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and enhances the coconut flavor.
15. Carefully lift the Coconut Cream Pie Bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into delectable bars.
16. Serve these heavenly bars chilled and enjoy the creamy coconut bliss with every heavenly bite. Share them with friends and loved ones to spread the joy of this tropical delight.

A Taste of Paradise in Every Bite

With their velvety smooth coconut cream, buttery crust, and dreamy whipped cream topping, these Coconut Cream Pie Bars offer a slice of paradise that will transport you to a world of tropical bliss. The rich coconut flavors, combined with the indulgent texture, create a dessert that is truly captivating. Whether you’re seeking a sweet escape or simply craving a taste of the exotic, these bars will satisfy your dessert cravings and leave you yearning for more.

Indulge in the enchanting flavors of the tropics and treat yourself to a taste of paradise with these unforgettable Coconut Cream Pie Bars. Embrace the harmony of creamy coconut, delicate sweetness, and buttery goodness, and let your taste buds dance with joy. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments of pure tropical indulgence.