Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Recipe
Coconut cream crumb bars are a decadent dessert made with a buttery crumb crust, a luscious coconut cream filling, and a golden crumb topping. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy, making them a favorite for parties, holidays, and everyday treats.
- Coconut desserts
- Easy bar recipes
- Creamy make-ahead sweets
- Crowd-pleasing baked goods
Why Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Are a Crowd-Pleaser
These bars stand out because they offer:
- Rich coconut flavor without being overpowering
- Buttery crumb texture that melts in your mouth
- Bakery-style appearance perfect for pins and saves
- Excellent make-ahead potential
They are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for beginner bakers.
Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Ingredients
For the Crumb Crust & Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
For the Coconut Cream Filling
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
How to Make Coconut Cream Crumb Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Mixture
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut.
Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Form the Crust
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Cream Filling
In a saucepan, whisk coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the coconut cream evenly over the baked crust.
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Allow to cool completely, then chill for cleaner slices.
Expert Tips for Perfect Coconut Cream Crumb Bars
- Use full-fat coconut milk for best texture
- Chill bars before cutting for sharp, bakery-style squares
- Toast coconut lightly for deeper flavor
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
Nutrition Notes
- Coconut provides healthy fats for satiety
- Bars are naturally egg-based but can be adapted
- Can be made dairy-free using plant-based butter
- Ideal as a small-portion dessert
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
Make Ahead
These bars taste even better the next day.
Storage
- Refrigerate in airtight container
- Keeps fresh for 4–5 days
Freezing
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
Coconut Cream Crumb Bars Variations
Chocolate Coconut Crumb Bars
Add chocolate chips to the filling or topping.
Lemon Coconut Bars
Add lemon zest to the coconut cream.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Tropical Coconut Bars
Add crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the filling.
