This is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the tropical, velvety taste of coconut. A Coconut Cream Delight (often called Coconut Lush or Dream Squared) is a layered “no-bake” dessert that hits the perfect balance between a crunchy crust, a silky cream cheese center, and a fluffy coconut pudding top.
It’s cool, refreshing, and—most importantly—incredibly easy to assemble.
The Anatomy of a “Delight”
Most “Delights” follow a four-layer structure that provides a mix of textures:
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The Foundation: A buttery crust (usually shortbread or graham cracker).
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The Creamy Layer: A sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping mixture.
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The Star: Thick, chilled coconut cream pudding.
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The Crown: Whipped topping finished with toasted coconut flakes.
The Ingredients
| Layer | Ingredients |
| The Crust | 2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup Melted Butter, 1/4 cup Sugar |
| Creamy Base | 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened), 1 cup Powdered Sugar, 1 cup Whipped Topping |
| Coconut Filling | 2 pkgs (3.4 oz) Instant Coconut Cream Pudding, 3 cups Cold Milk |
| Topping | Remaining Whipped Topping, 1 cup Toasted Shredded Coconut |
Step-By-Step Assembly
1. The Base
Mix the crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press them firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Pro Tip: Bake the crust at 350°F for 8 minutes then cool completely for a crunchier base, or just freeze it for 15 minutes to keep it truly “no-bake.”
2. The White Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping (like Cool Whip). Spread this evenly over the cooled crust.
3. The Coconut Rush
In a separate bowl, whisk the two pudding mixes with the cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread this over the cream cheese layer. Let it set in the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
4. The Finish
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding. Sprinkle generously with toasted coconut.
💡 How to Toast Coconut Perfectly
Don’t skip this step! Toasting the coconut adds a nutty depth and a crucial crunch.
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The Method: Put shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat.
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The Key: Stir constantly. Coconut goes from white to burnt in about 5 seconds. Remove it from the heat the moment it turns golden brown.
Variations to Try
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The Pineapple Twist: Add a layer of well-drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer for a “Pina Colada” version.
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Nutty Bottom: Swap the graham cracker crust for a mix of flour, butter, and crushed pecans (this is the traditional “Southern” way).
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Extra Rich: Replace 1 cup of the milk in the pudding with 1 cup of canned coconut milk (the full-fat kind) for an even more intense coconut flavor.
Storage Tip: This dessert actually tastes better the next day because the layers have time to firm up and the flavors marry. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.