Okay, let’s be real for a second. If you’ve ever stared into your fridge after dinner, craving something creamy, coconutty, and ridiculously easy to whip up—this dessert is your new best friend. This Coconut Cream Layered Dessert is what happens when coconut cream pie and a fluffy trifle get together, fall in love, and have a glorious dessert baby. 😍
No baking, no drama, and absolutely zero regrets. Trust me—this stuff disappears fast, so don’t expect leftovers. Unless you hide it. (No judgment—I’ve done it too.)
Why This Dessert Slaps (Hard)
Alright, let’s get straight to the good stuff. Why are people obsessed with this coconut cream layered dessert?
Because it checks all the boxes:
- Cool, creamy, and refreshing
- Layers of texture (I mean… smooth pudding, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy crust? Yes, please.)
- Super easy to throw together
- Perfect for make-ahead situations like potlucks, brunches, or midnight cravings
FYI: If you’re expecting some sort of healthy twist here—yeah, you’re in the wrong neighborhood. This is full-on dessert. And it’s proud of it. 😉
The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step, let me give you the lowdown on the MVPs of this layered goodness.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Coconut Cream Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant coconut cream pudding mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
For the Whipped Layer:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- OR 1 ½ cups heavy cream, whipped with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla (if you’re feelin’ fancy)
Toppings (Optional but Highly Encouraged):
- Toasted coconut flakes
- White chocolate shavings
- Crushed nuts (pecans or almonds work well)
- A drizzle of caramel (because why not?)
Step-by-Step: Building This Beauty
Step 1: Make That Buttery Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (unless you’re going for a totally no-bake version—more on that later).
- Combine your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- Let it cool completely before layering anything on top (unless you like pudding soup… which I do not recommend 😬).
No-bake hack? Skip the oven and just chill the crust for 30 minutes in the fridge. It won’t be as firm, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Step 2: Whip Up the Coconut Cream Layer
- In a large bowl, mix coconut cream pudding, vanilla pudding, and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Fold in the shredded coconut. The more, the merrier. Coconut lovers, don’t hold back.
This layer is what dreams are made of. I could eat it straight out of the bowl. In fact… I have. 🤷♀️
Step 3: Fluff it Up
Spread half of your whipped topping over the cooled crust.
Then, layer on all that luscious coconut pudding goodness.
Finally, finish strong with the rest of your whipped topping. Smooth it like a pro. Or don’t. It still tastes bomb either way.
Step 4: Add the Toppings (aka the “Ooh la la” part)
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, maybe some white chocolate curls, and—if you’re feeling chaotic—caramel drizzle.
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you’ve got willpower).
Tips for Coconut Perfection
Don’t Skip the Chill Time
I know it’s tempting to dig in right away. But trust me—this dessert needs time to set. The layers firm up, the flavors meld, and it becomes pure magic.
Want to Make It Lighter?
Use sugar-free pudding, low-fat milk, and light whipped topping. IMO, it’s still crazy good, but just a tad more guilt-friendly.
Make it Bougie
Want to impress your brunch crew? Assemble it in individual dessert glasses. Looks fancy. Zero extra effort. Win-win.
Why Coconut Cream Just Works
Let’s talk flavor for a second. Coconut has this vibe, right? It’s sweet, tropical, and somehow always makes everything feel like vacation food.
And pairing it with creamy vanilla pudding and a buttery crust? It just works. Ever wondered why coconut desserts always vanish first at a potluck? This is why.
Can You Customize It? Heck Yes.
This dessert is the ultimate chameleon. Here are a few fun twists if you want to shake things up:
Tropical Vibes
- Swap vanilla pudding for pineapple pudding
- Add a layer of crushed pineapple (drained!) between the pudding and whipped topping
Chocolate Coconut Dream
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the pudding
- Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips on top
Nutty Delight
- Mix toasted chopped pecans into the crust
- Garnish with a few on top for crunch
You can totally make it your own—and honestly, isn’t that half the fun?
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Because we’ve all had a Pinterest fail or two. Here’s what to watch for:
- Using warm crust: Just don’t. It’ll melt your pudding faster than you can say “layered disaster.”
- Overmixing the whipped topping: Be gentle when folding it in—treat it like the precious fluff it is.
- Not chilling long enough: I know I’ve said it like five times already, but it really matters. Give it time to set!
Storage Tips (AKA How to Hide the Last Slice)
Store leftovers in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It stays fresh for about 3–4 days.
Pro tip: If you’re sneaky, wrap a post-it note that says “Contains kale” on top. Nobody will touch it. 😉
Make-Ahead Friendly? Absolutely.
This dessert is basically built for making ahead. The longer it chills, the better it gets. Assemble it the night before, and it’s perfect by brunch the next day.
Honestly, it’s one of those rare recipes that tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. How often can you say that about dessert?
What To Serve With Coconut Cream Layered Dessert
Honestly? You don’t need anything else. But if you’re throwing a party (or just really going for it), here are some ideas:
- Fresh tropical fruits (like mango or kiwi)
- A small cup of coffee or espresso (balances the sweetness beautifully)
-
A splash of rum in the whipped cream if you’re feeling wild 😉
Related Recipes:
Final Thoughts: This Dessert = 100% Worth It
Let’s be honest. There are a lot of layered desserts out there. But this one? This one hits different. It’s cozy, cool, and coconutty in all the best ways.
Whether you’re prepping for a crowd or just making something sweet for yourself (no shame), this Coconut Cream Layered Dessert is gonna be your new go-to. It’s easy, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it doesn’t require a culinary degree to pull off.
So go ahead—whip it up, chill it down, and enjoy every bite. And maybe save yourself a secret slice in the back of the fridge. Just sayin’. 😉
