Coconut Cream Lush is the ultimate dessert for coconut lovers who crave that perfect blend of creamy, dreamy layers and nutty crunch. With its buttery pecan crust, luscious coconut cream and vanilla pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping crowned with a shower of toasted coconut, this chilled treat is a showstopper at any gathering. It’s cool, decadent, and so simple to make ahead, making it a beloved choice for potlucks, picnics, or just a family night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for Coconut Cream Lush plays a starring role, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and appeal in every slice. These pantry staples transform into a dessert that feels truly special, so don’t skip on the details!
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust, giving it structure and just the right amount of chew.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for that rich, tender, and flaky texture in the crust – cold butter is the secret!
- Chopped pecans: Add a nutty depth and a bit of crunch that makes the crust irresistible.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy layer that adds tang and rich body, making a dreamy contrast to the sweet puddings.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without grittiness for silky perfection.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (toasted if desired): Brings double coconut flavor and adds a pleasant chew, especially delicious if toasted.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens up the creamy layer and finishes the dessert with a pillowy top.
- Instant coconut cream pudding mix: The star for that signature coconut flavor, and it sets up beautifully without fuss.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Offers creamy support and balances the coconut for a well-rounded flavor.
- Cold whole milk: Brings the pudding together with extra richness – the colder, the better for a seamless set.
- Extra whipped topping and toasted coconut for garnish: For a festive and inviting finish, because more is always better!
How to Make Coconut Cream Lush
Step 1: Prepare the Buttery Pecan Crust
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour and cubes of cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture. Stir in the chopped pecans—these add such a lovely crunch and nutty base! Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to get it right into the corners. Bake for 15–18 minutes, just until it turns lightly golden and deliciously fragrant. Set aside to let the crust cool completely, as this keeps the layers distinct and oh-so-pretty.
Step 2: Whip Up the Coconut Cream Cheese Layer
While your crust is cooling, grab a large bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for that irresistible flavor and texture. This step creates a rich, cloud-like layer that will have everyone swooning. Once the crust is cool, gently spread this luscious mixture evenly over the top.
Step 3: Mix the Dreamy Coconut Pudding Layer
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the instant coconut cream pudding mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until you see the mixture thicken up nicely. This combined pudding layer is full of coconutty goodness, balanced with vanilla, and it sets perfectly on top of the cream cheese layer. Pour it over the cream cheese mix and spread until it’s level and smooth.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping and Toasted Coconut
Now for the crowning touch: spread the remaining whipped topping all across the pudding layer, making soft, inviting swirls. Sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut over the top, and for an extra treat, toast the coconut until golden first. Not only does this make it look show-stopping, but the toasted coconut adds a nutty complexity that’s out of this world.
Step 5: Let It Chill and Set
This is the hardest part—waiting! Refrigerate your Coconut Cream Lush for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to let all the magical flavors mingle and layers firm up. When you’re ready, slice into squares and serve chilled for maximum wow factor.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Lush
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, shower the top of your Coconut Cream Lush with generous handfuls of toasted coconut. If you really want to go above and beyond, add a few dollops of whipped topping or even a scatter of chopped pecans for an extra-crunchy pop. A light dusting of powdered sugar also gives a pretty, almost snow-like effect that makes each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich, cool, and sweet, so pairing it with something that contrasts nicely is wonderful. Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries add a vibrant and slightly tart burst. If you’re hosting, a platter of crisp sliced tropical fruits—think pineapple, mango, or kiwi—balances the creamy layers beautifully, making Coconut Cream Lush the centerpiece of your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
While you can certainly serve Coconut Cream Lush right from the baking dish, you can also spoon individual servings into pretty parfait glasses for a fun, layered look. For parties or picnics, try cutting into small squares and serving in cupcake liners for finger-friendly treats. If you want to create a true showstopper, arrange the slices on a vintage platter with extra garnishes for an irresistible dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Coconut Cream Lush keeps very well in the fridge, making it a fabulous make-ahead dessert! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep refrigerated for up to 3–4 days. Be sure to store it chilled at all times to maintain the creamy texture and keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Coconut Cream Lush, you absolutely can, though the texture of the whipped topping might change a bit after thawing. To freeze, wrap the cooled and fully set dessert airtight, either whole or in individual portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge and serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat! In fact, the cooler it is, the more refreshing and satisfying each bite becomes. If it’s been in the freezer, just let it fully thaw in the refrigerator before serving—no oven required.
FAQs
Can I make Coconut Cream Lush ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Coconut Cream Lush is even better when it’s made a day in advance. The flavors meld, the layers set, and slicing is a breeze. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What if I can’t find instant coconut cream pudding mix?
If you can’t locate coconut cream pudding, you can use all vanilla pudding mix and stir in a teaspoon or two of coconut extract for flavor. It won’t be quite as coconutty, but it will still be absolutely delicious.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, homemade whipped cream makes a fantastic substitute for whipped topping. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and used immediately for spreading, and know that it may weep or deflate a bit more quickly than commercial whipped toppings.
Do I have to use pecans in the crust?
No worries if nuts aren’t your thing! You can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or simply omit them if you prefer a plain shortbread-style crust. The results will still be wonderful.
How do I toast coconut for the topping?
To toast coconut, simply spread the shredded coconut out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool before using for the best texture and flavor boost on your Coconut Cream Lush.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tasted the creamy, coconutty layers of Coconut Cream Lush, you’ll want to make it for every celebration—or maybe just because! Its blend of textures and flavors is truly memorable, and it’s nearly impossible to eat just one slice. Give it a try and savor every cool, decadent bite—you’re in for a treat!
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Coconut Cream Lush Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy layers of this Coconut Cream Lush dessert. A buttery pecan crust is topped with a velvety cream cheese layer, luscious coconut pudding, and billowy whipped topping, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (toasted if desired)
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant coconut cream pudding mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
For Garnish:
- Extra whipped topping
- Toasted coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Mix flour and butter until crumbly, then add pecans. Press into a baking dish and bake until golden.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar, fold in whipped topping and coconut.
- Prepare the pudding layer: Whisk coconut cream and vanilla pudding mixes with milk until thickened.
- Assemble the dessert: Layer cream cheese mixture over crust, pour pudding on top, and finish with whipped topping and coconut.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it as a topping.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (except crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
