Description
Coconut Lime Bars are a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy lime-coconut filling, and a toasted coconut topping. They’re zesty, rich, and perfect for summer gatherings or any citrusy craving.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup light brown sugar or granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup salted macadamia nuts or chopped nuts
2 large eggs
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup extra sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Additional lime zest for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, nuts, and lime zest until the nuts are coarsely ground. Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Toast 1/2 cup shredded coconut lightly in a dry pan and mix with a bit of lime zest for the topping.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust and sprinkle toasted coconut and zest on top.
- Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into 12 bars using a warm, clean knife for neat edges.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, firm bars.
- Toasting the coconut helps keep the topping crisp.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Try variations like adding cream cheese or skipping nuts for different textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
