Description
These Coconut Dream Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with sweet coconut flavor. Made with a buttery base and a golden coconut topping, they’re the kind of dessert that disappears fast at potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, lightly toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mix until a soft dough forms. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then pour over the baked crust. Bake for 10 more minutes. Let cool completely.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and coconut extract, beat until creamy. Fold in whipped topping gently. Spread evenly over cooled filling.
- Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Let cool, then sprinkle over the top of the bars.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set. Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and slice into 16 squares.
Notes
- These bars are best served cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For added flavor, use freshly whipped cream instead of whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 34 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 64 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Coconut Dream Bars, Coconut Desserts, Chewy Bars