Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s practically destined to steal the spotlight at any gathering: Coconut Cream Lush. Imagine layers of buttery graham crust, creamy cheesecake, velvety coconut pudding, and clouds of whipped topping sprinkled with crunchy toasted coconut. Every bite is a perfect blend of creamy, cool, and coconutty—refreshing enough for summer but luscious all year long. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to treat yourself on a weekday, Coconut Cream Lush is here to bring pure joy to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and a little chilled magic can create something as show-stopping as Coconut Cream Lush. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the luscious texture, sweet coconut flavor, and beautiful presentation of this crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base for our buttery, crunchy crust—use pre-crushed crumbs or make your own from whole grahams.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Holds the crust in place and gives it a rich, golden finish after baking.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret to an ultra-creamy, tangy layer that offsets all the sweet flavors perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the cream cheese, providing a subtly sweet and velvety texture.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Brings an airy lightness to both the cheesecake and topping layers—don’t skip it!
- Instant coconut cream pudding mix: Delivers that signature coconut flavor instantly—no stovetop fuss required.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding set quickly and gives it a silky consistency.
- Toasted shredded coconut: For a sweet, nutty crunch that also turns the lush into a real looker.
How to Make Coconut Cream Lush
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is the only baking you’ll need! Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until everything is moistened, and then press firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely so it can hold all that creamy goodness without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Gently fold in one cup of whipped topping—this makes things super airy and spreadable. Once smooth, carefully spread this mixture over your cooled crust, creating that luscious second layer.
Step 3: Whip Up the Coconut Pudding
In a new bowl, whisk the instant coconut cream pudding mix together with cold milk for about two minutes—watch as it thickens up beautifully. Spread this coconut pudding over the cream cheese layer, making sure to reach every edge for perfectly even layers.
Step 4: Layer on the Whipped Topping and Coconut
Finish your Coconut Cream Lush with a thick, fluffy blanket of the remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut generously over the top. This final touch gives you that signature coconut finish and a gorgeous bit of crunch.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! This crucial step allows all the flavors to meld and the layers to set so that every slice holds together beautifully when you serve.
How to Serve Coconut Cream Lush
Coconut Cream Lush Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, garnish each slice with an extra sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few curls of white chocolate, if you’d like. You could even add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for those who love a bit of flair. The contrast of the golden coconut against the snowy topping is simply irresistible!
Side Dishes
Coconut Cream Lush pairs wonderfully with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or kiwi. These light, juicy sides balance the dessert’s richness and add a pop of color to your plate. For a more classic feel, serve with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of chilled sweet wine—either way, it’s a winning combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel limited to just slicing and serving from the pan—think outside the box! Try making individual Coconut Cream Lush parfaits in small mason jars for picnics, or layer it in a clear trifle bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. Mini dessert cups are a fun, party-friendly option that makes grabbing a serving easy for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Coconut Cream Lush keeps happily in the fridge for up to four days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container to prevent the dessert from picking up any fridge odors. The layers stay soft and delicious, and if anything, the coconut flavor grows deeper by day two!
Freezing
You can freeze Coconut Cream Lush, although the texture of the whipped topping and pudding may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap the chilled, set dessert well in both plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of toasted coconut for best results.
Reheating
No reheating needed—Coconut Cream Lush is meant to be enjoyed chilled. Simply remove from the refrigerator and let sit for a few minutes until it’s easy to slice. Serve straight from the fridge for the creamiest, most refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I make Coconut Cream Lush ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal, since it gives the layers plenty of time to set and the flavors to meld together. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream if you prefer. Just be sure to beat it stiff enough to hold its shape, and know that it may soften a bit faster than store-bought whipped topping.
What if I can’t find instant coconut cream pudding mix?
If your store doesn’t carry coconut cream pudding, try using vanilla or white chocolate pudding as the base and stir in a few drops of coconut extract with some finely shredded coconut. It’s not identical, but it’s still absolutely delicious!
Can I add nuts to the crust or toppings?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the crust add a wonderful crunch and subtle nuttiness. Sprinkle some over the top with the toasted coconut for even more texture and flavor.
Is Coconut Cream Lush gluten free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free since both graham crackers and most commercial puddings contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free graham crackers and check your pudding and whipped topping labels to create a delicious gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress, Coconut Cream Lush is your ticket to dessert masterpiece status. Each bite is a hug of coconut and cream, light yet indulgent, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—your sweet tooth (and your loved ones) will thank you!
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Coconut Cream Lush Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy layers of this Coconut Cream Lush dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. A buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese layer, luscious coconut pudding, and a topping of whipped cream and toasted coconut create a heavenly treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the coconut pudding layer:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant coconut cream pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
For the topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- For the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a baking dish and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
- For the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over crust.
- For the coconut pudding layer: Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- For the topping: Add whipped topping and toasted coconut. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Notes
- To toast coconut, place in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with Baked Crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
