Coconut Lime Bars
** Before I get to today’s recipe, I just want to say THANK YOU for all the heartfelt messages to our big announcement earlier this week. This soon-to-be momma is feeling all the love and teared up reading your comments on the blog and Instagram. Thank you!! **
SO these coconut lime bars are super amazing!! Sometimes it’s just hard to beat around the bush when a recipe is good. I love lemon bars but man…lime bars are where it’s at now because you know coconut and lime = fab!! I’ve had great love for the coconut- lime combo all spring long (exhibit 1, 2, 3) and couldn’t wait to have it again. When thinking of a possible dessert for Mother’s Day, I figured we should shower our citrus loving moms with more than just lemon desserts….lime bars with tropical coconut sounds befitting to celebrate these hardworking women. Right?
These coconut (key) lime bars start with a super soft, crumbly, and buttery coconut shortbread crust that’s crunchy and really good. They are then topped with sweet and tart lime curd, just like in your traditional lemon bars with hints of coconut. You can use regular limes for this recipe or fresh key lime juice if you can find those little key limes around. Finally the bars are topped with fresh whipped coconut cream. In summary, these are super duper amazing treats my friends.
OK, I’ll stop the blabbing and just give you the recipe so you can try them yourselves. I’m sharing these coconut lime bars over on The Kitchenthusiast, the KitchenAid recipe blog!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Happy Mother’s Day to all you mommas out there…and THANK YOU for all you do!
Coconut Lime Bars
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 6 pieces
For Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh key lime zest, finely grated
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Topping:
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar"
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a Nonstick 9” x 9” Square Pan (or 8×8 square pan) with baking spray, line with parchment paper and grease parchment with baking spray.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the crust, except the butter. Pulse until well combined. Add the butter pieces and pulse until the crust starts to come together (will look like wet sand).
- Turn dough out into the prepared pan. Using your fingers, press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes or until slightly brown around the edges. Remove from the oven until filling is ready.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients for the filling and mix until combined and thickened.
- Pour the filling into the warm baked crust and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Chill bars for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting.
- To serve, use a sharp knife to cut into about 9 bars. Whip the heavy cream, coconut extract, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Top each bar with coconut whipped cream and fresh lime zest.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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These bars are amazing! I only had an 8×8 so my bars had a thicker base and curd layer. The lime is so bright and summery. I ran out of coconut extract so the coconut flavour was more mild – next time I’ll make sure I have plenty of extract!
I am so happy to hear this!! Yumm!