Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate coconut dessert with these irresistible Coconut Cream Pie Bars! Creamy coconut filling nestled on top of a buttery graham cracker crust will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of day!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping
• Extra shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, shredded coconut, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Slowly stir in half of the coconut mixture to temper the eggs, then add everything back into the saucepan. Cook until mixture thickens further.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour coconut filling over the crust.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
• Top with whipped cream and garnish with extra shredded coconut before serving.

Popular questions:

• Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for coconut milk, but the filling may be richer and creamier. Adjust the amount if needed.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just add the whipped cream and extra coconut before serving.

• Can I freeze these bars?

These bars can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Can I use a different type of crust?

You can experiment with different crusts such as a shortbread crust or a cookie crumb crust for a variation in flavor.

Helpful tips:

• For a toasted coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling.
• Add a splash of rum or coconut rum to the filling for a boozy twist.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a decadent touch.

Expert Secrets:

• For a firmer filling, increase the amount of cornstarch slightly.
• For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or coconut cream instead of full-fat.
• Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust.