Coconut Key Lime Bars

Okay, okay! You might have thought I was done with my lime desserts…well, I’m not! Haha! I am obsessed, what can I say? I think I can say this is the last one, for at least this month. Haha. The good thing is, you have lots of choices and they are all top notch! You can’t go wrong with any of my lime desserts, but these Coconut Key Lime Bars, have toasted coconut in the crust and regular coconut in the lime curd and so you are getting the best of both worlds!

Coconut Key Lime Bars

Did I mention that I love coconut-lime combos too? Oh I did? On Tuesday… when I shared my Coconut Key Lime Macaroons? Oh, you’re right! Sorry about that! Well, not really, I just love lime and I love coconut-lime, so I am willing to shout it from the rooftops! Aren’t all of these citrus posts making you want summer to come, like right now? It has been unusually warm here in Utah. We usually don’t get out until April or May when all of the snow has melted and it’s finally 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

Coconut Key Lime Bars

Well, it’s March, all of the snow melted before the end of February, and it’s been 60 degrees several times in the last couple weeks. Our water supplies aren’t looking good for this summer, but man I really do love that vitamin D from the sun! I have taken my kids to the park every time it was nice outside. We are so much more cheerful when we get some fresh air. I love it! I am totally fine with rain, just no more snow please! My tulip and daffodil bulbs that I planted last fall are already out of the ground and getting big, so I am just in heaven with all these signs of spring. I hope it lasts!

Coconut Key Lime Bars

Oh and we totally fired up our grill a couple of times already as well. Those are my favorite dinners because my husband will cook. He is the grill master at our house! Anyway, these Coconut Key Lime Bars can temporarily take you to spring or summer with one little bite. So enjoy!!!

Coconut Key Lime Bars
Coconut Key Lime Bars

Coconut Key Lime Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup toasted coconut
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup butter

Filling:

  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • 4 eggs
  • 2-3 tsp lime zest (1 lime)
  • 2/3 cup key lime juice (Nellie & Joe's)
  • Wilton Leaf Green Food Coloring Paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
  2. Toast ½ cup of sweetened coconut flakes in a sauté pan on medium heat, stirring frequently until lightly browned. Be attentive! Once it starts to brown, it happens quickly.
  3. To make the crust: Combine the flour, toasted coconut, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla and butter in a food processor. Run/pulse the machine until mixture comes together/balls up. Press into an ungreased 11x7-inch pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden.
  4. Meanwhile make the filling: Whisk together the sugar, flour, and sweetened coconut flakes in a bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add the zest, key lime juice & enough green food coloring to produce desired color (A little goes a long way. I did a little bit on the end of a toothpick to get a really pale green color.) Mix until everything is smooth & combined.
  5. Pour filling over hot crust and return to the oven to bake for an additional 18-20 minutes. When done, the filling will no longer jiggle. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing and dusting with powdered sugar. For best results, keep refrigerated & serve cold.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 154mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix, and is an estimation only.

Altered from my Tangy Lime Bars