Easy Coconut Lime Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Coconut Lime Bars combine a buttery coconut crust with a tangy lime filling for a refreshing treat. Perfectly toasted coconut tops each bar, adding a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. They’re simple to make and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted salted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (room temperature)
- Green and yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8x2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: Toast ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut in a small pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until lightly golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool on a plate.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut (not toasted), melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a slightly crumbly dough forms.
- Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the crust starts to turn golden around the edges. Let cool for 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and lime juice in a large bowl until smooth.
- Step 6: (Optional) Add 1 drop green and 1 drop yellow food coloring for a subtle green filling color. Stir well.
- Step 7: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle in the center.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the top. Cool to room temperature, about 1½ hours.
- Step 9: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and make cutting easier.
- Step 10: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Remove the paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the coconut carefully, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve your preferred level of golden color.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil.
- Use key lime juice instead of regular lime juice for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Omit food coloring if you prefer a natural, pale yellow filling.
Storage
Store the coconut lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slightly at room temperature before serving, or enjoy them cold for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are excellent when made a day in advance. Chilling overnight helps the filling set perfectly and allows flavors to meld.
Can I freeze the coconut lime bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
PrintEasy Coconut Lime Bars Recipe
These Easy Coconut Lime Bars combine a buttery coconut crust with a tangy lime filling, topped with toasted coconut for a delightful tropical dessert. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, these bars are baked to a soft, set filling and crisp edges, making them a refreshing treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Toasted Coconut Topping
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 6 tablespoons melted salted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (room temperature)
- Green and yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8x2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides to ensure easy removal later.
- Toast the Coconut: Heat ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut in a small pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it becomes lightly golden brown with some white areas. Remove immediately to a plate to cool.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut (not toasted), melted butter, and vanilla extract until a slightly crumbly dough forms similar to cookie dough.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using hands or the back of a spoon. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the crust edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and lime juice until very well combined. Add a drop each of green and yellow food coloring if desired for a subtle green hue.
- Add Filling and Bake: Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is fully set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
- Add Topping and Cool: Remove from oven, sprinkle toasted coconut evenly over the top, and allow to cool to room temperature for about 1½ hours.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly and make cutting easier.
- Serve: Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper, remove the paper, cut into 16 squares, and enjoy chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tartness and flavor.
- Room temperature eggs help the filling mix more smoothly and bake evenly.
- Keep a close eye on the coconut while toasting to avoid burning.
- Chilling is essential to properly set the lime filling.
- Optional food coloring adds a festive touch but does not affect flavor.
Keywords: Coconut lime bars, easy lime dessert, baked lime bars, toasted coconut topping, tropical dessert bars
