Coconut Lime Bars

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup fresh lime juice
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until well combined.
3. Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to firm up.
5. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares or bars.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy the taste of the tropics!

Recipe Notes

• For an extra burst of coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the lime zest out of the filling mixture before pouring it over the crust.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the bars by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar in the filling.