I grew up in a house where desserts were a love language—and anything with whipped cream was basically a declaration of affection. Coconut Cream Lush? That was grandma’s secret weapon. It’d show up to family gatherings like Beyoncé at a concert—stunning, layered, and impossible to ignore. This no-bake wonder is everything a summer dessert should be: cold, creamy, and completely stress-free. Each bite is a mix of velvety coconut pudding and fluffy whipped topping on a buttery, golden crust. And don’t get me started on that toasted coconut crunch—because that’s the mic drop. If you’ve ever had one of those moments where you’re like, ‘Did I just eat half the pan?’—yes, yes you did. And I salute you. Whether you’re sneaking bites straight from the fridge at midnight (no judgment), or proudly serving it after a backyard barbecue, this lush dessert fits the bill. It’s sweet, it’s indulgent, and somehow—like all good things in life—it disappears way too fast. Perfect for anyone hunting fruity dessert recipes easy enough to make without breaking a sweat or a whisk.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Coconut Cream Lush Recipe
3) Ingredients for Coconut Cream Lush
4) How to Make Coconut Cream Lush
5) Tips for Making Coconut Cream Lush
6) Making Coconut Cream Lush Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Coconut Cream Lush
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Coconut Cream Lush
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Easy no-bake dessert with a creamy coconut flavor
Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight cravings
Layered texture with a buttery crust and whipped topping
Fruity dessert recipes easy enough for beginner bakers

2) Easy Coconut Cream Lush Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that tastes like vacation, this is it. I first made Coconut Cream Lush on a sticky August afternoon, when I wanted something cold, sweet, and not from the freezer aisle. This one hit all the right notes. It’s soft, dreamy, and filled with coconut cream pudding. The best part? No oven meltdown required.

Fruity dessert recipes easy like this one are rare. You layer a buttery pecan crust with whipped cream, sweet cream cheese, and coconut pudding that sets like silk. It’s not just a dessert, it’s a dessert you’ll want to hide in the back of the fridge and pretend it’s gone. I’m not proud of that… but I’m not ashamed either.

And yes, I did once eat it for breakfast. Twice. Fruity dessert recipes easy to prep and hard to stop eating? That’s a yes from me. This is comfort food disguised as a tropical getaway.

3) Ingredients for Coconut Cream Lush

All-purpose flour: This is the base of our crust. It helps keep things sturdy and crisp without needing to be fussy.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter binds the flour and nuts together for that rich, buttery crust. Don’t skip this step or use margarine—it’s just not the same.

Chopped pecans: They add crunch and bring nutty flavor to the crust. Plus, they make the whole thing feel fancy.

Cream cheese: Softened to room temp, it blends smooth with sugar and adds richness. No lumps allowed here—beat it like you mean it.

Powdered sugar: This makes the cream cheese layer sweet and smooth. Don’t swap it for granulated or you’ll regret it.

Whipped topping: This adds lightness to both the middle and top layers. Go ahead and use Cool Whip or your own whipped cream if you’re feeling bold.

Instant coconut cream pudding mix: The flavor MVP. Fruity, creamy, and nostalgic in the best way.

Cold milk: Needed to activate the pudding. Make sure it’s cold—warm milk ruins the texture and vibe.

Sweetened shredded coconut: Toast it if you’re feeling fancy. It adds texture and that extra “wow” on top.

4) How to Make Coconut Cream Lush

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Stir with a fork or your hands until crumbly. Press into a 9×13 pan and bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before layering anything.

Step 2. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. No lumps, no excuses. Fold in half the whipped topping gently—don’t overmix.

Step 3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Try not to eat half of it while spreading. I dare you.

Step 4. Whisk together the instant pudding and cold milk until thick. It should look like happiness in a bowl. Spread that over the cream cheese layer.

Step 5. Top with the rest of the whipped topping. Use a spatula to swirl it around like frosting on a birthday cake. You earned this.

Step 6. Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the top like edible confetti. Chill for at least 2 hours. Longer if you can resist.

5) Tips for Making Coconut Cream Lush

Want a crust that doesn’t crumble apart? Press it down firmly. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it packed in tight before baking.

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened or you’ll get little bumps in your filling—and no one wants that. If you’re impatient (like me), microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until soft.

This dessert is sweet, so use unsweetened coconut if you want to cut the sugar a bit. If you’re going all in, toast sweetened coconut for a crunchier finish. Quick easy dessert recipes for one won’t match this one, but they’ll understand.

6) Making Coconut Cream Lush Ahead of Time

This dish holds up like a champ in the fridge. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead, which makes it perfect for parties, potlucks, or lazy Sundays.

If you need to save time, bake the crust the day before. Keep it covered at room temp. Mix and layer the rest the morning of and pop it in the fridge to chill until serving.

Planning ahead makes this a strong contender among easy healthy dessert recipes quick 3 ingredients desserts—but with more flavor and a creamy middle that makes people smile.

7) Storing Leftover Coconut Cream Lush

Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or foil. Better yet, store individual slices in airtight containers if you want grab-and-go dessert action all week.

It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, but after that, the layers start to get a little lazy and soft. Still edible, but not as cute. Don’t freeze—it messes with the creamy vibe.

This one ranks with easy recipes for teens to make. They can help assemble it and eat it by the forkful with zero complaints. Trust me—I’ve seen it happen.

8) Try these Desserts next!

9) Coconut Cream Lush