Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Coconut Cream Pie Bars Recipe they are HEAVENLY... creamy coconut, a cloud of whipped cream, and a buttery shortbread crust

Ingredients

• Crust Ingredients:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Coconut Cream Filling Ingredients:
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients:
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon cold water (for stabilizing)
• 1 teaspoon gelatin (for stabilizing)
• 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup coconut, for toasting

Instructions

1. Make shortbread crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9 x 13 in. baking dish with a foil sling (I use one long sheet across the length of my dish, and two overlapping short sheets across the width of my dish — just arrange it so that it has some overlap and overhang to help you pull the bars out after they’re finished). Cut the butter into the flour and powdered sugar and press into the baking dish (I used a food processor to cut the fat into the flour — about 6-10 pulses — and then the bottom of a glass to press the mixture into the pan). Bake 18-20 minutes or until light brown. Set on a wire rack.
2. Toast coconut for the topping: Spread about 1 cup of the coconut flakes out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven along with your shortbread crust for 3-6 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the coconut is golden brown. Spread it out on a plate to cool completely.
3. Make coconut cream filling: Combine the half-and-half, coconut milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until it’s thick and bubbling (this can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Just do it. It’s worth it.) Add coconut and vanilla extracts and the 1 1/2 cups of untoasted coconut and stir. Pour this filling over your cooled crust, letting it cool for a bit on the counter before sticking the whole thing in the fridge to chill until firm, about 2 to 4 hours.

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