Coconut custard bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tropical richness of coconut with the creamy smoothness of custard, all layered on a buttery crust. These bars are the perfect blend of chewy, creamy, and slightly crisp textures.
A favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays, coconut custard bars offer a luxurious bite-sized treat that is simple to make and sure to please everyone. The contrasting textures and rich flavors make these bars a standout dessert that can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent but uses everyday ingredients, this coconut custard bar recipe is for you. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the custard filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. - Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. - Bake the Crust
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the custard layer. - Prepare the Custard Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until well combined. Then stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add vanilla extract and milk, whisking everything together until smooth. - Add Coconut
Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed in the custard mixture. The coconut gives the bars their signature chewy texture and tropical flavor. - Pour Over the Crust
Pour the custard-coconut mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading gently to reach the edges. - Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean. - Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares or bars for neat, clean cuts. - Serve and Store
Serve chilled or at room temperature. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen and thawed as needed.