There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about combining sweet and tangy flavors, and for me, that magic comes alive in the form of Coconut Lime Bars. These little squares of sunshine evoke fond memories of summer picnics, family gatherings, and lazy afternoons spent lounging by the pool. The bright, zesty lime pairs beautifully with the rich, tropical essence of coconut, making each bite feel like a mini-vacation. For me, baking isn’t just about creating a dish; it’s about stirring together cherished memories and the promise of good times ahead.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 40-45 minutes
- Total Duration: 1 hour
- Portion Size: 16 squares
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fats: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Lime Bars
These Coconut Lime Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, delightful at any time of year. The crust is buttery and tender, while the tart lime filling dances across your palate, leaving you craving more. They are a crowd-pleaser, easy to make and even easier to share, a perfect addition to your potluck menu or a refreshing treat on a hot day. Plus, there’s minimal fuss involved—meaning more time to enjoy the sunny weather or your favorite show!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on this delicious adventure where we blend a few simple ingredients to create a dessert that transports us straight to a tropical paradise! The anticipation builds as you prepare the crust—the alluring scent of melted butter makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting. Once baked, you pour the vibrant lime filling over the crust, filling your home with a tantalizing aroma. After baking, allow these bars to cool, and then cut them into generous squares. Each slice offers a burst of flavor that reminds you of sunny days and warm evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Method:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prepare for the delicious creation ahead.
Step 2: Combine Crust Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix well and then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. The smell of toasting coconut will fill your kitchen, which is your cue to take it out. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lime juice, lime zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until it’s all well combined. This filling is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Pour the Filling Over Your Crust
Pour the lime filling over the warm crust, making sure to spread it evenly.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly pulled away from the sides of the dish.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Coconut Lime Bars are perfect on their own, but why not take it a step further? They pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a refreshing twist, serve them with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with extra lime zest or toasted coconut for an eye-catching finish!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—though I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste! For longer storage, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your limes are fresh for the best flavor, as their zest and juice are essential to the bright taste of these bars.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, simply double the filling ingredients and bake in a deeper baking dish.
- Don’t skip letting the bars cool completely—you’ll want clean cuts when you’re slicing them!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling creative? You could substitute lime juice with lemon for a different citrus twist, or add a handful of macadamia nuts for an extra crunch. Another fun idea is to fold in some chocolate chips before pouring the filling over the crust for a delightful contrast!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Coconut flour behaves differently than all-purpose flour and may not yield the best results in this recipe without adjusting the ingredients. -
What if I don’t have fresh limes?
You can use bottled lime juice, but fresh juice will give the best flavor! -
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double the recipe and use a 9×13 inch dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly. -
How do I know when the filling is set?
The filling will be firm and slightly puffed up; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. -
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Wrapping Up
These Coconut Lime Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and memories woven together with a sprinkle of sunshine. With their unforgettably zesty filling and buttery crust, they remind us of the joy of baking and the happiness of sharing food with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delightful Coconut Lime Bars that will bring a spark of joy to your day!
Print
Coconut Lime Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful squares of sunshine combining sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for summer picnics and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lime juice, lime zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Pour the lime filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.
Notes
Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For added flair, consider extra lime zest or toasted coconut on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
