Description
Light, tropical bars with a buttery crumb base, a chewy coconut center, and a cloud of whipped cream on top — chilled, sliceable, and perfect for warm-weather get-togethers or holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs — enough to fill a 9×9-inch pan base (about 1½ cups)
- Unsalted butter, melted (about ½ cup)
- Sweetened condensed milk (roughly 1 cup)
- Sweetened shredded coconut (about 1½ cups)
- Powdered (confectioners’) sugar (about 1 cup)
- Heavy cream for whipping (about 1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Toasted coconut flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment.
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In a bowl, stir the graham crumbs into the melted butter until the mixture clumps together. Press this firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake until the edges turn light brown, about 8–10 minutes. Let the crust cool a bit.
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In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the shredded coconut and powdered sugar until they form a thick, sticky filling. Spread it evenly over the cooled crust.
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Return the pan to the oven and bake again until the coconut layer sets and develops faint golden spots on top, about 15–20 minutes. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
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While the bars cool, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream gently over the cooled coconut layer.
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Scatter toasted coconut across the top, then chill the whole pan for at least two hours so the bars firm up. Cut into squares and keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
- To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe box for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before eating.
- For a crisper crust, press the crumbs firmly and give the crust a little extra bake time. For a lighter topping, fold a small amount of powdered sugar into the whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg