9 Heavenly & Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie Bars With a Magical Buttery Crust

Thank you for being here, sweet friend If there’s one dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and say “WHAT is this?”—it’s these Creamy Coconut Cream Pie Bars. And you’re absolutely right… it’s that magical bottom layer that sets them apart.

These bars are pure coconut bliss: a buttery baked crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a fluffy coconut pudding topping, all finished with clouds of whipped cream and toasted coconut. They’re rich but light, nostalgic yet impressive—the kind of dessert that disappears fast at potlucks and family gatherings.

This one reminds me of the coconut cream pies my aunt used to bring to Sunday dinners, except baked into neat little bars (which somehow makes them even more dangerous ).

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Overview of Creamy Coconut Cream Pie Bars

These layered bars are inspired by classic coconut cream pie but made easier, cleaner to slice, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love Them

• That rich, buttery baked crust
• Creamy cheesecake-style middle
• Light, fluffy coconut pudding topping
• Make-ahead friendly
• Crowd-pleasing and potluck-perfect

What They Taste Like

Sweet, creamy, and coconut-forward with contrast in every bite: crisp crust, silky cream cheese, and airy pudding finished with toasted coconut.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

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Magical Buttery Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)

Coconut Pudding Layer

• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant coconut cream pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk

Topping

• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Food processor or pastry cutter
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula

Substitutions & Variations

• Use graham cracker crust instead of flour crust
• Swap vanilla pudding + coconut extract if needed
• Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese
• Add white chocolate shavings on top

How to Make Coconut Cream Pie Bars

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1. Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour and sugar, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press firmly into baking dish.

2. Bake

Bake crust for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.

3. Cream Cheese Layer

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.

4. Coconut Pudding

Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thick. Spread gently over cream cheese layer.

5. Finish

Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

6. Chill

Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing.

What to Serve With These Bars

• Coffee or espresso
• Fresh berries
• Toasted almonds
• A drizzle of white chocolate

Tips for Perfect Layers

• Cool crust fully before layering
• Use instant pudding only
• Chill thoroughly for clean slices
• Toast coconut for maximum flavor

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze slices up to 1 month
• Serve: Chilled

General Information

Coconut cream pie desserts became popular in American baking in the mid-1900s, prized for their creamy textures and tropical flavor. Turning them into bars makes them easier to serve—and harder to resist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! They’re even better the next day.

Do they freeze well?
Absolutely—slice first for easy serving.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, stabilized whipped cream works best.

Are these very sweet?
Balanced—rich but not cloying.

Conclusion

These Creamy Coconut Cream Pie Bars are everything a dessert should be: nostalgic, indulgent, and just a little magical—especially that buttery bottom layer. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re a favorite wherever they go.

You may also love:

• No-Bake Coconut Cheesecake Bars → https://poulef.com/no-bake-coconut-cheesecake-bars/
• Banana Cream Pie Bars → https://poulef.com/banana-cream-pie-bars/
• Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/
• Twix Cookies (Keto) → https://poulef.com/twix-cookies/
• Death by Chocolate Poke Cake → https://poulef.com/death-by-chocolate-poke-cake/

Interactive Corner

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Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Bar)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
~340 kcal	22 g	32 g	4 g

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