Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sifted through my pantry, the gentle scent of coconut wafted through the air, prompting a delightful craving. These Easy Coconut Cream Crumb Bars are my go-to solution, showcasing a buttery shortbread crust cradling a rich coconut pastry filling, all topped with a crispy crumb. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity; it’s an easy make-ahead treat that requires only pantry-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes. Plus, with its delightful textures and creamy flavors, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that shines at any gathering or quiet night in. Ready to turn your kitchen into a slice of paradise? Let’s get started! Why Are Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Irresistible? Indulging in these Coconut Cream Crumb Bars is a treat you won’t want to miss! Easy to prepare, this recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples, making it accessible for anyone. Layers of flavor combine creamy coconut filling with a buttery shortbread base, giving you a delightful dance of textures in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Make ahead and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert option that truly captures the essence of summer. Your taste buds will thank you! Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Ingredients For the Coconut Pastry Cream • Coconut Pastry Cream – Rich and custard-like, it offers a bold coconut flavor. Prepare ahead for the best results. For the Crust • Softened Butter – Ensures a buttery richness; use unsalted for better control over salt levels. • Superfine White Sugar – Sweetens and dissolves easily, creating a smooth texture; granulated sugar can be substituted if needed. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the bar’s flavor; opt for pure rather than imitation for the best results. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free blend. • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors—a must for depth. For the Topping • Packed Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of molasses depth to the topping; can be replaced with more white sugar for a lighter flavor. • Sweetened Shredded Coconut – Boosts coconut essence and crunch; unsweetened shredded coconut is a great alternative for less sweetness. • Melted Coconut Oil – Ties the crumb topping together and amplifies coconut flavor; melted butter works as a substitute. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream Start by making the coconut pastry cream since it needs to chill while you prepare the rest of the Coconut Cream Crumb Bars. Double the pastry cream recipe to ensure there’s enough for a luscious filling. Once made, cover it and place it in the refrigerator to cool and thicken. Step 2: Prep the Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. This delightful crust forms the base of your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars, so take your time to ensure it’s well-prepared and ready for baking. Step 3: Cream Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter with superfine white sugar and pure vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until they achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This mix creates the buttery richness essential for the crust. Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep the crust tender and flaky. Step 5: Form and Chill the Crust Divide the dough in two, setting aside one-third for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help it firm up before baking. Step 6: Bake Crust Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This sets a sturdy base for your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars. Step 7: Prepare Crumb Topping While the crust cools, prepare the crumb topping by combining the reserved dough, packed brown sugar, sweetened shredded coconut, and melted coconut oil in a bowl. Mix this mixture until it resembles a crumbly texture, perfect for sprinkling atop your bars. Step 8: Bake Topping Spread the crumb topping evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once done, let it cool completely before adding it to your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars. Step 9: Assemble Bars Carefully pour the chilled coconut pastry cream over the cooled crust in the pan. Then, sprinkle the cooled crumb topping generously over the creamy layer. For the best results, chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure everything sets properly. Storage Tips for Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Fridge: Keep the Coconut Cream Crumb Bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve their freshness and creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Slicing Ahead: For easy serving, slice the bars before storing them. Just make sure to use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheating: If desired, you can enjoy the bars at room temperature straight from the fridge, or warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat. What to Serve with Easy Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Indulging in these delightful treats opens up a world of complementary flavors and textures to enhance your dessert experience. Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness of the bars. Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of light, fluffy coconut whipped cream enhances the tropical vibe and adds an airy touch to each bite. Tropical Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of mango, pineapple, and kiwi brightens your dessert table while providing a vibrant freshness that pairs beautifully. Iced Herbal Tea: Enjoy chilling out with a glass of iced herbal tea, like mint or chamomile, to cleanse the palate and keep things refreshing. Chocolate Drizzle: Thrown in an unexpected twist by drizzling dark chocolate over the top of the bars, creating a rich flavor pairing that elevates the dessert. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside classic vanilla ice cream for creamy decadence, offering a delightful balance to the coconut’s richness. Cashew or Almond Milk: A glass of chilled nut milk serves as a light, dairy-free drink option that harmonizes with the tropical flavors of the bars. Coconut Macaroons: For a double dose of coconut goodness, alongside your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars serve crispy coconut macaroons for a textural treat. Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Variations Feel free to play with these Coconut Cream Crumb Bars to suit your taste and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream to create a completely dairy-free treat, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars accessible for gluten-sensitive friends and family. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the crumb topping or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled bars for a delightful twist. Tropical Twist: Enhance the tropical flavor by adding crushed pineapple to the coconut pastry cream, giving your bars a fruity kick that’s refreshing and delicious. Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the crumb topping for a delightful crunch and an added layer of flavor. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime or lemon zest to the coconut pastry cream for a bright citrus note that complements the coconut beautifully. Savory Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumb topping for a warm, spiced flavor that adds comfort to this tropical treat. More Coconut: Layer in additional sweetened shredded coconut on top for an extra coconut hit that will have coconut lovers swooning. Whichever variations you choose, these adaptations can take your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars to the next level of deliciousness. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your very own! Make Ahead Options These Coconut Cream Crumb Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the coconut pastry cream and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days before using it. Additionally, the shortbread crust can be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For the crumb topping, it’s best to bake it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container for 2-3 days to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the bars by pouring the chilled filling over the cooled crust and topping it with the crumb topping. Chilling the complete bars for at least 2-4 hours (preferably overnight) will ensure they set properly, allowing you to enjoy delicious dessert with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for a creamy texture; melted butter will alter the crust’s consistency. Monitor Baking: Keep a close eye on the crust while it bakes to avoid over-browning. A light golden color is ideal. Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry ingredients with the creamed mixture, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Chill Thoroughly: For the best flavor and texture in your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars, allow them to chill overnight after assembly—this helps the filling set perfectly. Customize Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the topping for a unique twist! Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Recipe FAQs How should I choose ripe coconut for the filling? When selecting fresh coconut for these bars, look for a coconut with a hard, intact shell and minimal dark spots. Shake it to ensure you hear the water sloshing inside; this indicates freshness. If using shredded coconut, opt for unsweetened for a less cloying flavor or sweetened for a richer experience—both work well in the recipe! How do I store Coconut Cream Crumb Bars? To keep your Coconut Cream Crumb Bars fresh, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain the creamy filling’s texture. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers if you stack them, so they don’t stick together. Can I freeze Coconut Cream Crumb Bars? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the Coconut Cream Crumb Bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight to bring them back to their creamy, delicious state. What if my crust comes out too crumbly? If your crust crumbles and doesn’t hold together, it may need more moisture. Consider adding a teaspoon of chilled water or an additional teaspoon of softened butter to the dough before pressing it into the pan. Remember to mix carefully to maintain that tender texture! Are these bars suitable for those with dairy allergies? Yes! These Coconut Cream Crumb Bars can easily be made dairy-free by using softened coconut oil instead of butter and ensuring the coconut milk in the pastry cream is dairy-free. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients to avoid any hidden dairy products. Can I modify the flavors of the coconut pastry cream? Definitely! If you’d like to switch things up, consider swapping out part of the coconut milk for almond milk to introduce a subtle nutty flavor. You could also infuse the pastry cream with a splash of rum or almond extract for extra depth, but be sure to keep the coconut flavor front and center! Delicious Coconut Cream Crumb Bars to Satisfy Your Cravings Indulge in these Coconut Cream Crumb Bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and rich coconut filling—a delightful crowd-pleaser! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Servings: 9 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Coconut Pastry Cream1 cup Coconut Pastry Cream Prepare ahead for best results.For the Crust1/2 cup Softened Butter Use unsalted for better control over salt levels.1/2 cup Superfine White Sugar Granulated sugar can be substituted if needed.1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Opt for pure rather than imitation for best results.1 cup All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free blend.1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.For the Topping1/2 cup Packed Brown Sugar Can be replaced with more white sugar for lighter flavor.1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut Unsweetened shredded coconut is a great alternative.1/4 cup Melted Coconut Oil Melted butter works as a substitute. Equipment 9-inch square baking panMixing BowlsHand MixerWhiskparchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Cream Crumb BarsPrepare the coconut pastry cream first and chill it while you work on the other components of the bars.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.Cream softened butter, superfine white sugar, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt, then add to the creamed mixture until just combined.Divide the dough, reserving one-third for the topping, and press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking.Bake the crust for 20 minutes until light golden brown; allow to cool in the pan.For the topping, mix the reserved dough, packed brown sugar, shredded coconut, and melted coconut oil until crumbly.Spread the topping on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.Pour the chilled coconut pastry cream over the cooled crust, sprinkle the crumb topping, and chill for at least 2-4 hours. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, allow the bars to chill overnight after assembly. Customize toppings with chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
