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Coconut is way more than just tropical. It can be whipped up, stirred up and baked up into some of the dreamiest southern desserts and fruit salads around. This list of easy coconut recipes shows off just what shredded coconut can do- bars, cookies, cakes, pies and fruit salads ready to round out any meal or top off any holiday, cookout or potluck.

16 easy coconut desserts and fruit salad recipes, from tropical to chocolate.

Shredded coconut, with its mild, nutty sweetness, is the perfect ingredient for creating rich desserts and stand out fruit salads! And while I’ve got you covered with tropical, citrusy options, like Lime Coconut Bars and Coconut Pineapple Trifle, I haven’t left out those tried and true southern classics we all love.

My mamaw’s Coconut Cream Pie recipe with its creamy, smooth custard coconut filling is not only easy to make, I share my secrets to making the perfect meringue to finish it with. Plus, old fashioned Coconut Ice Box Cake, soaked in sour cream and coconut milk, has never been more simple with a cake mix short cut.

We can’t forget rich chocolate confections either. German Chocolate Cake and Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars make the most of that magical coconut-melty chocolate combo!

Then there’s thumbprint macaroons, Hummingbird bread, coconut pecan cookies… And we haven’t even gotten to the fruit salads. Toasted coconut, baked coconut, sprinkled and layered coconut, this list has everything you need to satisfy your coconut sweet tooth all year long!