Coconut Custard Bars are a rich, creamy dessert with a delicious coconut flavor. The custard filling pairs wonderfully with a buttery crust.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the coconut custard filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until the dough comes together.
Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the coconut custard filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Assemble and bake:
Pour the coconut custard filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the custard is set and lightly golden around the edges. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Serve:
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares.
Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with extra shredded coconut before serving.
These coconut custard bars are a perfect balance of creamy, sweet coconut custard with a buttery, flaky crust. They make a great dessert for any gathering!