Creamy Coconut Dream: The Ultimate No-Bake or Baked Coconut Cream Lush Recipe
Prepare to be enchanted by this truly delightful **Coconut Cream Lush** recipe! It’s an effortlessly elegant dessert that promises a light, creamy texture and an explosion of rich coconut flavor in every bite. Designed as a versatile one-pan wonder, this layered treat is perfect for feeding a crowd, offering both a traditional baked pecan crust and a convenient no-bake graham cracker option – ideal for keeping your kitchen cool during those warm summer days. Just like our popular Pineapple Dream Dessert, this Coconut Cream Lush is poised to become your new favorite go-to recipe for any special occasion or casual gathering!
What Makes This Coconut Cream Lush So Special?
Hello, dessert lovers! Get ready for a truly indulgent experience with this amazing **Coconut Cream Lush**. If you’ve enjoyed our previous “lush” recipes, like the refreshing Lemon Lush, you’ll know that these layered desserts strike a perfect balance – they’re rich and satisfying without being overly sweet. This allows the natural flavors, especially the tropical essence of coconut, to truly shine through.
This dessert is a fantastic choice for any warm-weather event. Imagine serving this cool, creamy **one-pan** dessert at your next picnic, family barbecue, or holiday celebration like Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day. Its ease of preparation and impressive presentation make it a foolproof option for entertaining. What sets this Coconut Cream Lush apart from many other layered desserts is the added flexibility of its crust. You can opt for the classic baked pecan crust, which offers a delightful nutty crunch, or choose the convenient no-bake graham cracker crust – a lifesaver when you want to avoid turning on the oven on a hot day. This versatility ensures it fits seamlessly into any menu, regardless of the season or your baking mood.
RELATED: If you’re a fan of simple yet sensational desserts, don’t miss our Banana Cream Lush with Bananas Fosters Sauce! It’s another easy recipe that will absolutely “rock your world” with its incredible flavor profile and satisfying layers.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Coconut Cream Lush
Crafting this lush dessert involves a few simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature light and creamy texture, bursting with coconut goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this layered masterpiece, with options for your preferred crust:
Graham Cracker Crust (for the quick no-bake option)
- 2 packages of regular graham crackers: These form the crisp, sweet base for our no-bake version. When finely crushed, they create a perfect foundation.
- 5-8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted and cooled: The butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on humidity, so start with 5 and add more if needed to achieve a moist, crumbly texture that presses firmly.
Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for the rich baked option)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for this buttery, shortbread-like crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Creates a rich, tender crust when combined with the flour and pecans.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped or food processor processed pecans: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and slight crunch that complements the coconut beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the crust, balancing the savory notes of the pecans and butter.
Cream Cheese Layer: The Tangy Heart
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature: Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth, lump-free layer. It provides a delightful tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the pudding.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer, making it decadent and smooth.
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice: A touch of lemon brightens the flavors and enhances the cream cheese, preventing it from tasting too heavy.
Coconut Cream Pudding Layer: The Tropical Core
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant coconut cream pudding mix: This is where the magic happens! Instant pudding makes this recipe incredibly easy. If your local stores don’t carry this specific flavor, it’s often readily available online, for example, via Amazon Prime.
- 4 cups milk: The liquid base for the pudding. You can reduce this to 3 1/2 cups if you prefer a slightly thicker pudding layer.
Whipped Topping & Toasted Coconut Garnish Layer: The Grand Finale
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping (I used Cool Whip), you can substitute the same amount whipped cream: Provides a light, airy finish. Cool Whip is stable and holds its shape well, especially if freezing.
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes (unsweetened): Toasting the coconut flakes intensifies their flavor and adds a fantastic, irresistible crunch to the top of the dessert. Unsweetened flakes allow you to control the overall sweetness.
- Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top: For an extra layer of nutty flavor and texture, particularly if you chose the baked pecan crust.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Coconut Cream Lush
To make your Coconut Cream Lush assembly smooth and enjoyable, you’ll want to have these basic kitchen tools on hand:
- 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan: The ideal size for this crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Food processor: Handy for finely grinding graham crackers or pecans for your crusts.
- Large mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for preparing different layers.
- Measuring cups: For dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
- Liquid measuring cup: For milk and melted butter.
- Baking spatula (or rubber spatula): Great for scraping bowls and mixing.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the pudding until it sets.
- Offset spatula: Your secret weapon for spreading layers evenly and smoothly.
- Foil-lined sheet pan: For toasting those fragrant coconut flakes.
- Spatula for serving: To get those perfect, clean slices.
Tips for a Flawless Coconut Cream Lush
Creating beautiful, distinct layers and achieving the perfect texture is key to this dessert’s appeal. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Coconut Cream Lush is a resounding success:
- **Chill Time is Crucial:** Don’t rush the chilling process! Each layer needs adequate time to set before the next is added. This prevents mixing and ensures clean, defined layers when you slice the dessert. The final chill is the most important for firming up the entire dessert.
- **Smooth Spreading with an Offset Spatula:** An offset spatula is your best friend for evenly spreading the creamy layers. Its angled blade allows for greater control and a smoother finish. Make sure to wipe your spatula clean between each layer to avoid color transfer and keep your layers pristine.
- **Achieving Defined Slices:** For the most elegant presentation with clearly defined layers, consider freezing the Coconut Cream Lush overnight (at least 6 hours). This firms up the entire dessert, making it much easier to cut into neat slices.
- **Slicing Technique:** When ready to serve from a frozen state, use a sharp knife and press firmly down to cut through the bottom crust first. This prevents the crust from crumbling. The slices will defrost relatively quickly once on a plate.
- **Toasting Coconut for Max Flavor:** Those golden-brown toasted coconut flakes aren’t just for looks – they add a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy layers. Be sure to toast them gently, tossing frequently, until they are golden light brown. Watch them closely, as coconut can burn quickly!
- **Homemade Whipped Cream vs. Whipped Topping:** While you can substitute homemade whipped cream for the store-bought whipped topping, please note that the freezing instructions apply specifically to whipped topping (like Cool Whip). Homemade whipped cream may not hold up as well after freezing and thawing, so if you use it, it’s best to enjoy the dessert chilled and not frozen.
- **Showcasing Layers for Serving:** After refrigerating, if you want to enhance the visual appeal of your layers, gently “wipe” along the inside edges of the pan with a butter knife or an offset spatula. This neatens the edges and makes the beautiful layers stand out even more.
Those toasted coconut flakes truly elevate this dessert, adding a delightful crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth, silky layers beneath. The visual contrast and the enhanced flavor are absolutely irresistible.
Remember, an offset spatula is a small investment that makes a huge difference in achieving professional-looking layers. And as mentioned, make sure to give it a quick wipe before moving to the next layer!
We are confident that you will absolutely adore this Coconut Cream Lush. Its irresistibly light and delicious nature means you’ll likely find yourself reaching for more than just one slice! It’s truly a perfect treat for any occasion.
And if you love the “lush” concept, be sure to explore Coconut Cream Lush’s delightful cousin, Blueberry Lush – another absolutely HUGE hit for any BBQ or gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and serving this delicious Coconut Cream Lush:
- **Can I make Coconut Cream Lush ahead of time?** Absolutely! This dessert is fantastic for making in advance. In fact, it needs a good chilling period (at least 6 hours, or overnight) for the layers to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. You can prepare it 1-2 days before serving for best results.
- **What if I can’t find coconut cream pudding mix?** While coconut cream pudding mix is ideal, if it’s unavailable, you can sometimes find coconut instant pudding online. Alternatively, you could try using vanilla instant pudding and enhancing it with coconut extract, though the flavor profile might be slightly different.
- **My pudding isn’t setting, what went wrong?** Instant pudding relies on cold milk to set properly. Ensure your milk is very cold before whisking. Also, whisk vigorously for the recommended time (usually 2-5 minutes) until it begins to thicken. Humidity and brand variations can sometimes affect setting, so ensure you follow package directions for milk quantity or use slightly less if you prefer a firmer pudding.
- **Can I use a store-bought crust?** Yes, for the no-bake option, you can certainly use a pre-made graham cracker crust for an even quicker assembly. Just make sure it fits your 9×13 inch pan (or adjust the recipe for a pie dish if using a round crust).
- **How should I store leftover Coconut Cream Lush?** Store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If frozen, it can last longer, but remember that whipped cream (if used instead of whipped topping) may not hold its texture as well after thawing.
More Delightful One-Pan Dessert Recipes
If you love the convenience and crowd-pleasing nature of one-pan desserts, you’re in luck! We have a fantastic collection of similar recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress:
- Chocolate Lasagna: A rich, layered chocolate dream.
- Tiramisu Icebox Cake: All the flavors of tiramisu, simplified in a no-bake cake.
- Chocolate Eclair Refrigerator Cake: A classic eclair taste without the baking.
- Strawberry Icebox Cake: Fresh and fruity, perfect for spring and summer.
- Pistachio Lush: A vibrant and nutty layered dessert.
- Cherry Lush: Sweet cherry goodness in every bite.
Coconut Cream Lush
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust (for no-bake crust option):
- 2 sleeves graham crackers finely ground
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for baked crust option):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- ½ cup pecans finely chopped or food processor processed
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
Coconut Cream Pudding Layer:
- 6.8 ounces instant coconut cream pudding mix (2 3.4-ounce packages)
- 4 cups milk you can also do 3 1/2, if you want it a little thicker
Whipped Topping & Toasted Coconut Garnish Layer:
- 8 ounces whipped topping Cool Whip or you can substitute the same amount whipped cream
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes toasted
- Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Food processor
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Liquid measure
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Rubber spatula
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Whisk
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Offset icing spatula
Before You Begin
- I suggest using an offset spatula for spreading the layers and make sure it’s clean before starting a new layer.
- After refrigerating, for serving to show more defined layers, you can just take a butter knife and “wipe” along the sides and the layers will show nicely.
- You can freeze the Coconut Cream Lush overnight (at least 6 hours) to get more defined slices.
- Make sure you use a sharp knife to cut down into the bottom crust first before removing with the spatula. It will defrost fairly quickly.
Instructions
FOR NO BAKE CRUST
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Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium-large bowl, mix melted and cooled unsalted butter with processed graham crackers. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Cover and chill until the next layer is ready.
BAKED CRUST
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Bottom Pecan Crust Layer (for baked crust option): Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, melted and cooled butter, finely ground pecans and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes (25 mins works best for me) until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before adding any layers.
LAYERS
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Cream Cheese Layer: Using a hand electric mixer, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons works best for me). Mixture should be even and smooth. Spread evenly on top of the baked and cooled bottom pecan crust or no bake graham cracker crust.
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Coconut Cream Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk milk and instant coconut cream pudding mix until set. It may take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
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Whipped Topping & Toasted Coconut Garnish Layer: Spread thawed whipped topping on top of the pudding layer. Toast the unsweetened coconut flakes on a foil-lined baking sheet in the toaster oven or oven (350 degrees F) for 5 minutes; you should toss the flakes halfway to ensure even toasting. Be careful not to burn the coconut flakes and toast them until they are golden light brown. When the coconut flakes are cool, sprinkle them all over the Coconut Cream Lush and reserve more for sprinkling on slices. Optionally, you can freeze the Coconut Cream Lush overnight for more defined slices. Do not freeze if you substitute homemade whipped cream because it might not hold up like frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip. Enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on May 1, 2017. It has been updated and enhanced for clarity and comprehensiveness.