Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coconut Lime Bars are the perfect balance of tangy lime and sweet coconut, giving you a refreshing and indulgent dessert. The coconut crust is soft yet slightly crumbly, while the lime filling is creamy and smooth with just the right amount of citrusy zing. This combination of flavors is both tropical and comforting, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and visually stunning with their bright lime color and coconut texture, making them perfect for both casual and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the coconut crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the lime filling:

3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest (about 2 limes)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Coconut Crust:

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Coconut Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Bake the Crust:
Press the coconut mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lime filling.

For the Lime Filling:

Prepare the Lime Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, flour, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Bake the Bars:
Pour the lime mixture over the warm coconut crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
Add the Coconut Topping:
Sprinkle the top of the filling with the shredded coconut. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the coconut is lightly toasted.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Optionally, garnish with extra lime zest or shredded coconut before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5-3 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

Add More Coconut Flavor: For a stronger coconut flavor, try adding a bit of coconut extract to the lime filling or increase the amount of shredded coconut in the crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these bars.
Lemon Lime Bars: If you want to add more citrusy flavor, replace half of the lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a lemon-lime combination.
Coconut Lime Pie: To transform this into a pie, simply bake the coconut crust and lime filling in a 9-inch pie pan. Add a whipped cream topping for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Coconut Lime Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars are best served cold, so make sure to let them chill before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

While fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. However, the flavor may not be as vibrant as freshly squeezed lime juice.

Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker or coconut crust. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly based on the crust you use.

Can I make the coconut crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the coconut crust ahead of time. Just bake it, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to prepare the lime filling.

Can I use unsweetened coconut in the filling and crust?

Yes! You can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet flavor. If using unsweetened coconut, you may want to add a bit more sugar to the crust or filling to balance the flavors.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup or adjust to your taste. The lime flavor will still shine through even with less sweetness.

Can I make these bars without the coconut topping?

Yes, you can skip the coconut topping if you prefer a smoother, less textured top. The bars will still be delicious without it.

Can I use frozen peaches or berries in this recipe?

While this recipe is specifically for coconut lime bars, you can substitute some of the lime filling for other fruits like pureed berries or peaches. However, the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make these bars vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or chia egg, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Make sure to use a plant-based milk in the filling.

Conclusion

Coconut Lime Bars are a tropical, refreshing dessert that combines the best of coconut and lime in a fun and easy-to-make treat. The buttery coconut crust, smooth lime filling, and toasted coconut topping come together in perfect harmony for a dessert that’s both bright and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them at a summer gathering, a potluck, or as a treat for yourself, these Coconut Lime Bars are sure to become a favorite. With their delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, they are the perfect dessert to end any meal!