Indulge in the sumptuous delight of our Decadent Coconut Bliss Bars, where a luscious coconut cream filling luxuriously rests upon a delectable press-in cookie crust. These bars embody the essence of a classic coconut cream pie but with a convenient twist that brings this heavenly dessert to your table in less than an hour. Let’s delve into the sublime world of coconut-infused euphoria!
Unveiling Coconut Cream Pie Bars:
Picture this: a buttery shortbread crust cradles a no-bake coconut filling, crowned with a velvety layer of Cool Whip and adorned with a cascade of toasted coconut. These bars strike the perfect balance – not too sweet, yet immensely satisfying, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Crafted with love, this recipe yields 24 servings, ensuring there’s enough coconut bliss to go around at your next gathering.
Key Ingredients Needed:
Unsalted Butter: Softened to perfection, the unsalted butter serves as the foundation for both the cookie bars and the heavenly frosting.
Coconut: Opt for sweetened shredded coconut, and for an added layer of texture, take a few extra minutes to toast a portion of it.
Coconut Extract: Elevate the coconut essence with this magical ingredient, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the bars.
Eggs + Egg Yolk: The addition of an extra yolk brings richness to the dough, ensuring a tender, chewy bite.
Cream Cheese: A creamy component that harmonizes with the coconut, creating a luxurious filling.
How To Make Coconut Nirvana:
Step-by-Step Guide
Bar Layer Creation:
Begin by creaming together butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture achieves a light and creamy consistency. Incorporate eggs and extracts, creating a flavor-packed base.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, then merge them with the wet ingredients. Spread the batter in a parchment-lined pan, baking for 25 minutes at 350F. While the bars cool, toast a portion of the coconut for an extra layer of crunch.
Frosting Elegance:
Create a smooth frosting by creaming together butter and cream cheese, gradually adding powdered sugar, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt. Spread this decadent frosting over the cooled cookie bars.
Garnish with both untoasted and toasted coconut, cut into bars, and savor the luxurious goodness of these Coconut Bliss Bars.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips:
Unfortunately, freezing these divine bars is not recommended as they’re simply too delicious to resist. For optimal results, plan ahead to allow the creamy filling to set before adding the whipped topping. These bars are perfect for get-togethers, such as Easter celebrations.
Storage Information:
Store these coconut bars in the fridge for up to 3-4 days after assembly. Warning: the irresistible flavor might lead to an empty dish sooner than expected.