Description
Frozen Ube Coconut Crunch Bars are a vibrant no-bake dessert featuring a buttery coconut cookie crust, creamy ube cheesecake filling, and a crunchy toasted coconut topping. These refreshing frozen bars are rich, tropical, and perfect for summer gatherings or make-ahead desserts.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- For the Ube Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ube extract (optional, for deeper color and flavor)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- For the Coconut Crunch:
- 1 cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup crushed toasted rice cereal or crispy rice cereal
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- For Garnish:
- Extra toasted coconut
- Purple yam chips or white chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the cookie crumbs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the ube halaya, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ube extract if using. Beat until fully combined.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the ube mixture until light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Mix the toasted coconut, crushed crispy rice cereal, melted butter, and brown sugar to create the coconut crunch topping.
- Sprinkle the crunch mixture evenly over the filling, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Let the bars stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with extra toasted coconut and purple yam chips or white chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Toasted coconut enhances the tropical flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Freeze overnight for the cleanest slices.
- Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Store tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired