Description
Coconut Dream Bars are the kind of easy dessert bars that make people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe. They start with a buttery crust, layer in a smooth cream cheese filling, and finish with sweet shredded coconut and melty chocolate for a rich, bakery-style treat. This is one of my favorite dessert ideas when I want an easy recipe that works for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple sweet snack with coffee. If you love coconut desserts, bar cookies, cheesecake bars, and easy baking recipes, this one belongs on your list.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly set and just starting to turn golden around the edges.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add the eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and fully combined.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust.
8. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer.
9. In another bowl, mix the shredded coconut with the sweetened condensed milk until fully coated.
10. Spoon and gently spread the coconut mixture over the top.
11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the coconut is golden and the center is set.
12. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese so the filling blends smoothly without lumps.
Chill the bars before slicing for the cleanest layers and neater squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: coconut dream bars, coconut dessert bars, easy dessert bars, cream cheese bars, chocolate coconut bars, bar cookies, easy baking recipe, dessert ideas, sweet snack, holiday dessert