No-Bake Coconut Cream Dream Dessert -

No-Bake Coconut Cream Dream Dessert

A cool, creamy layered dessert with a buttery cookie crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, rich coconut pudding, and a soft whipped topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an easy make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

For the Crust

2½ cups crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whipped topping

For the Coconut Cream Layer

2 packages instant coconut cream pudding mix, 3.4 ounces each

3 cups cold whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup whipped topping

For the Topping

2 cups whipped topping

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

½ cup chopped pecans or almonds, optional

Toasted coconut, optional

Instructions

Combine the crushed cookies, melted butter, sugar, and salt until evenly moistened.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping, then spread the mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut cream pudding mix with cold milk until it begins to thicken.

Stir in the vanilla and shredded coconut, then gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.

Spread the coconut pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Top with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping.

Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top. Add chopped pecans, almonds, or toasted coconut if desired.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

Use softened cream cheese for a smoother filling.

Make sure the milk is cold so the instant pudding thickens properly.

For extra flavor, toast some of the coconut before adding it on top.

Chill the dessert thoroughly for cleaner slices.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Method: No-Bake

Servings: 12–15 servings