No-bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is the ultimate tropical treat. With layers of creamy coconut pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s as indulgent as it is easy to make. Perfect for warmer days or when you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert without turning on the oven!

I made this dessert for a family get-together, and it disappeared within minutes. Not only is it a breeze to prepare, but it’s also a showstopper on any dessert table with its rich, coconut flavor and dreamy, creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert

This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is everything you crave in a layered dessert – here’s why you’ll adore it:

To start, it’s no-bake, making it perfect for hot days or times when you just don’t feel like using the oven. It’s a refreshing treat that comes together quickly and can be made ahead, so it’s ideal for gatherings or weeknight indulgence.

It’s light and creamy, thanks to the luscious layers of coconut pudding and whipped topping. Each bite is smooth, fluffy, and bursting with coconut flavor, perfect for a little tropical escape.

This dessert is beautifully layered and looks impressive when sliced, showing off its graham cracker crust, creamy coconut filling, and whipped topping. It’s easy to prepare yet looks like it took hours.

Finally, it’s highly customizable. You can top it with toasted coconut, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel. It’s easy to make your own while keeping the coconut cream theme front and center.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert are simple but essential to create those perfect layers. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The graham cracker crust is the perfect buttery, crumbly base for this dessert. You can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs or make your own by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crust and adds richness. It creates a firm base that holds up to the creamy layers above.
• Cream Cheese: This adds a bit of tang and richness to the filling, balancing out the sweetness. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Instant Coconut Pudding Mix: Instant coconut pudding is the star of the dessert, giving it a strong coconut flavor and a perfectly smooth, creamy texture.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Cool Whip makes this dessert light and fluffy. It’s used in both the creamy layers and as the final topping. You can also use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
• Coconut Flakes: Sweetened coconut flakes add texture and a hint of extra sweetness. Toast some for sprinkling on top if you like a nutty, caramelized finish.
• Milk: Milk is essential to prepare the pudding mix. Whole milk or 2% works best to keep the texture creamy.

How To Make This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert

Making this No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is a breeze! Here’s how to layer it up for maximum flavor:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Press firmly with a spatula to create an even crust. Place in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust, creating the first creamy layer. Chill for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Prepare the Coconut Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the coconut pudding mix and milk until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Carefully spread this layer over the cream cheese layer, making sure it covers the entire dish evenly.
4. Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer. For extra coconut flavor and a bit of texture, sprinkle the top with toasted coconut flakes.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold!

This dessert takes about 20 minutes to assemble and needs a few hours to chill, so it’s great to make ahead.

Storage Options

This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is easy to store, making it perfect for leftovers or prepping ahead.

• Refrigerator: Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, and it stays fresh and creamy.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months. Cover it with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve the dessert straight from the fridge, as it tastes best when cold and set.

Variations and Substitutions

This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is flexible enough to suit different tastes. Here are some fun variations:

• Chocolate Coconut Lush: Add a layer of chocolate pudding before the coconut pudding for a chocolate-coconut twist. It adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut.
• Pineapple Coconut Lush: Mix ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) into the cream cheese layer for a tropical addition. It adds a slight tartness and extra juiciness to each bite.
• Almond Joy Twist: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and chopped almonds between the layers to give it an “Almond Joy” candy bar flavor.
• Vanilla Wafer Crust: Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for crushed vanilla wafers for a sweeter, more delicate crust that complements the coconut perfectly.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if you prefer a fresh, airy topping. Just be sure to use stabilized whipped cream if making it ahead, as it holds up better in the fridge.

Experiment with these ideas to make the dessert your own – it’s hard to go wrong with such a versatile, no-bake treat!

Conclousion

This No-Bake Coconut Cream Lush Dessert is a fantastic, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of creamy coconut goodness and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a refreshing, tropical dessert that’s bound to please. Just chill, slice, and enjoy!

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