Coconut Cream Pie Bars
One thing I have learned about coconut over the years is there are Coconut Lovers and Coconut Haters. There never seems to be an in-between when it comes to coconut. Personally, I am in the love category. I love it in pies, cakes and coconut-flavored drinks. My absolute favorite way to eat it is in pie. Coconut Cream Pie! So I thought I would take the traditional pie and turn it in these delicious Coconut Cream Pie Bars.
I am using my favorite (and crazy easy!) pie crust called Wham Bam Pie Crust. And topping it with a creamy, coconut-y filling. And topping that with whipped cream. Note: You could definitely use Cool Whip instead of the fresh whipped cream. It all depends on how much time and energy you want to put into this. Y’all know I don’t judge when folks want to use short cuts since I do it all the time myself!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp. water
For the filling:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
2 cups half and half
4 egg yolks
3 tbsp. butter
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 tsp. coconut extract
For the topping:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
sweetened coconut
Then spread whipped cream over coconut pudding layer.
Enjoy!
- FOR THE CRUST:
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
- FOR THE FILLING:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- sweetened coconut toasted
Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Combine crust ingredients and spread into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Poke dough all over with a fork.
Bake at 400F degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Crust should be a light golden brown and not "doughy". Let the crust cool.
Then prepare the filling. In a bowl, whisk together half and half and egg yolks.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and cornstarch. Then slowly stir in half and half mixture while continuing to whisk.
Bring heat up to high and continue to whisk. Do not leave your pot. After a few minutes you will notice it has thickened.
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in 3 tbsp. butter, 1 cup coconut and coconut extract. Stir well.
Then spread pudding mixture over crust. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
Then cover with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge to cool for about an hour.
- Now, for the whipped cream, you will need to use the whisk attachment on your stand mixer (or a bowl and a whisk if doing it by hand).
- Pour 2 cups heavy whipping cream and turn mixer on to medium-high.
Slowly add in sugar and then vanilla. Mix until whipped cream forms soft peaks.
- Then spread whipped cream over coconut pudding layer.
Now for the toasted coconut topping (if you prefer it toasted). Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
Put about a cup of coconut on a baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake for about 5-10 minutes.
Stir every couple of minutes and don't walk away from oven because it has a tendency to burn the second you walk away. Let toasted coconut cool.
- Sprinkle bars with toasted coconut then slice and serve.
It's funny, I noticed the love/hate. I love it! My husband hates it. So that means one thing – more pie for me!
Pamela – that's what I say too!
I love it! My family does too so this will be a winner for everyone. Thanks so much for sharing! Just wish I had some of it right now ~ 🙂
Pat
Thank you so much Pat!
This looks fabulous! I was a coconut hater until about 5 years ago and by some miracle, one day I thought to myself: I want a slice of coconut cream pie and it's been love ever since! I'm pinning this to make this summer – I wonder how sugar cookie dough would be for crust?
Kelli, I love to sneak coconut into desserts where folks have no clue. LOL. I have friends who swear they can't stand coconut and when I make the Southern Pecan Praline Cake, I love the surprised look on their face after I tell them it has coconut in it (of course, I make sure not to serve to anyone with coconut allergies). I think a lot of folks are surprised at how much they enjoy it after tasting it in dishes like this or that cake. A cookie dough crust would certainly add some sweetness to the party. If you try it, let me know!
I am so on the fence! I LOVE the flavor of coconut but the texture makes me gag. Is there anyway to make this and not have to use flakes??
You could just use the coconut extract and leave out the coconut flakes. I would maybe use about 1 1/2 tsp. of extract to just give it a it more coconut flavor since you aren't using the flakes. 🙂
Sounds great, Brandie!!
nice
This looks delicious! So much easier than making an actual pie!
Hi there, it's sound soo yummy this pie, but I don't understand what you mean in the filling ingredients….2cups half & half? What do you mean. Thanks.
Anonymous, half and half can be found in the dairy section of your grocery store. It's actual labeled half & half. It's half whole cream and half milk. Hope that helps!
hmmmm yummy
I LOVE it! Found your recipe on Pinterest. I'll be making this for my dad. Coconut cream pie is his favorite and since neither my husband or mom like it…more for us!
This sounds wonderful, found it on pinterest…can't wait to try the recipe!!
My mouth is watering. Can't wait to try these. Thanks.
this looks like a big YUM!!!! my husband was a coconut hater until i started sneaking in fine textured coconut into deserts, not long strands, not flakes. he changed his tune!
will make this! tracie
Brandie – ever tried canned coconut milk instead of half and half?
Hello, I am not sure, what do you mean half and half of what?
Love this recipe. It has become a favorite for Holidays, especially because it feeds more people than a pie and it so delicious.
These look great! I love coconut!
I think these would be great for taking to a church potluck.
We made these bars last year for Christmas and they were a huge success! They are on our dessert list for Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing your great recipe!
Love hearing that Kristine! I sure do appreciate you taking the time to come back and let me know that you loved it!! 🙂
Could you use a graham wafer crust instead of pie crust
You certainly could. Whatever you enjoy!
I took this to some friends home for lunch today, having never made it before. Risky, but it was SPECATUCLAR! The crust, filling and heavy whipping cream all work together so well. We LOVED IT! Thanks so much! Pinning it so I don’t ever lose this one!