No-bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

The Dreamiest No-bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

Creamy waves of dreamy no-bake coconut cream lush dessert dance across my favorite summer memories.

Sweet layers beckon with cool comfort on sweltering afternoons.

Childhood nostalgia whispers through each silky spoonful of this simple treat.

Rich graham cracker crusts provide delightful crunch underneath smooth, cloud-like cream.

Minimal kitchen effort yields maximum deliciousness in this magical dessert.

Cool ingredients blend together effortlessly without turning on a single oven.

We can craft this delectable masterpiece in minutes, promising pure bliss with every incredible bite.

Chill Coconut Cream Lush For Later Delight

  • Store the dessert covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it flat to preserve the beautiful layered structure.
  • Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so skip the microwave or oven. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • The whipped topping might separate slightly after storage, so gently smooth the top with a spatula before serving to restore its creamy appearance.

Cream Lush Dessert Side Ideas

Pair Coconut Bliss with Complementary Flavors

  • Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix light rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut liqueur to match the dessert's tropical vibe and enhance its creamy coconut profile.
  • Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Serve alongside fresh mango or passion fruit slices to add bright, tangy notes that cut through the dessert's rich creaminess.
  • Espresso Contrast: Brew a strong espresso or serve an iced coffee to provide a bold, bitter counterpoint to the sweet, smooth coconut layers.
  • Sparkling White Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Moscato or Riesling to complement the dessert's sweetness and refresh the palate.

Coconut Cream Lush (No-Bake) in Fun New Layers

  • Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Lush: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly base that maintains the dessert's rich texture.
  • Vegan Coconut Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk pudding mix, and substitute whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version that's equally creamy.
  • Low-Sugar Coconut Delight: Use sugar-free pudding mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for low-fat cream cheese to reduce overall sugar and calorie content.
  • Tropical Flavor Fusion: Add crushed pineapple between layers or mix passion fruit puree into the pudding for an exotic Caribbean-inspired variation that enhances the coconut profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies for a unique base flavor.

  • Is this dessert gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together.

  • What can I do if I can't find coconut cream pudding mix?

You can use vanilla pudding mix and add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract to achieve a similar coconut flavor profile.

Coconut Cream Dessert Without The Oven

  • Whip Up Ease: No-Bake Simplicity makes this dessert a kitchen winner for busy home cooks.
  • Quick Family Delight: Minimal preparation steps mean everyone can help assemble this crowd-pleasing treat without complex cooking skills.
  • Chill and Serve Convenience: Refrigeration does the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent dessert without turning on the oven.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where you want an impressive dessert without extensive effort.

Coconut Cream Lush No-Bake Essentials

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Melted Butter: Classic base with rich buttery flavor, providing a crunchy foundation for the dessert. Use fresh, finely ground graham crackers for best texture.
Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Whipped Topping: Smooth, creamy mixture that creates a light and airy filling. Full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich consistency. Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
Coconut Pudding Layer:
  • Instant Coconut Cream Pudding Mix, Cold Milk, Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Tropical-inspired layer with creamy coconut flavor. Use cold milk for proper pudding consistency. Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and enhances coconut profile. Fresh coconut works best for topping.

No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Method

Step 1: Create a Crumbly Foundation

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pop the dish into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help the crust firm up and chill.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Coconut Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk coconut cream pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture transforms into a thick, luscious pudding.

Set this dreamy layer aside while you prepare the next component.

Step 3: Craft a Silky Cream Cheese Blend

Using a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Gently fold in half of the whipped topping, creating a light and airy cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Build Your Delectable Layers

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, creating an even and tempting base.

Next, pour the coconut pudding layer on top of the cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.

Step 5: Crown with Tropical Toppings

Generously spread the remaining whipped topping across the surface.

Sprinkle a delightful shower of shredded coconut over the top, adding a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

Step 6: Chill and Anticipate

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

This resting time allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together, creating a spectacular no-bake dessert that will impress everyone.

Coconut Cream Lush – No-Bake Dessert Tips That Matter

  • Use shortbread or vanilla wafer cookies instead of graham crackers for a different crunch and flavor profile.
  • Toast shredded coconut before sprinkling on top to intensify its nutty, rich taste and add beautiful golden color.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened and at room temperature to create a smooth, stable layer that won't mix with other ingredients.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
  • Reduce powdered sugar in cream cheese layer or use a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet dessert experience.
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No-bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

No-bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky smooth no-bake coconut cream lush dessert brings tropical paradise right to your plate. Layers of creamy coconut goodness and buttery graham cracker crust promise cool comfort that refreshes your senses at first delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • 1 package (8 ounces/227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 container (8 ounces/227 grams) whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

Coconut and Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • Additional shredded coconut for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a buttery foundation by thoroughly combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture compactly into a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate the crust for approximately 15 minutes to solidify.
  2. Whisk coconut cream pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency. Allow the pudding to rest momentarily.
  3. Using an electric mixer, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Gently incorporate half of the whipped topping, ensuring complete integration.
  4. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture across the chilled crust, creating an even layer. Follow by evenly distributing the coconut pudding over the cream cheese foundation.
  5. Crown the dessert with the remaining whipped topping, generously scattering shredded coconut across the surface for a delightful textural contrast.
  6. Transfer the dessert to the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and solidify for a minimum of two hours, which enables the layers to meld and set perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert option.
  • Toast shredded coconut before sprinkling to enhance its nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dessert.
  • Prepare the dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious treat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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