Delicious Coconut Lime Bars

This coconut lime bar recipe combines the tropical essence of coconut with zingy lime for a refreshing dessert that's both creamy and zesty. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for the silky lime filling, while the toasted coconut adds a delightful textural contrast.

I first made these bars for a summer potluck where they disappeared within minutes. Now they're my go to dessert whenever I need something that feels special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Graham crackers: these provide the perfect crunchy base with a hint of honey sweetness
• All purpose flour: adds structure to the crust ensuring it holds together beautifully
• White sugar: balances the tartness of the lime and enhances the graham cracker flavor
• Butter: creates that rich mouthfeel in the crust that contrasts with the creamy filling
• Sweetened condensed milk: the secret to a foolproof creamy filling that sets perfectly
• Full fat coconut milk: adds authentic coconut flavor and contributes to the silky texture
• Sour cream: brings a subtle tanginess that enhances the lime flavor
• Lime juice: freshly squeezed provides the brightest flavor but bottled works in a pinch
• Lime zest: contains essential oils that intensify the lime flavor
• Coconut extract: optional but amplifies the tropical flavor profile
• Green food coloring: optional for visual appeal that signals lime flavor
• Sweetened shredded coconut: adds texture and reinforces the coconut flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs creates the base for our bars. Combine with flour and sugar before adding melted butter which acts as the binding agent. Press firmly into your parchment lined pan to ensure an even layer without gaps or holes. The 15 minute bake time allows the crust to set up properly and develop a subtle toasted flavor.

Create the Filling:

While the crust bakes is the perfect time to prepare your filling. Combining sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk creates the perfect consistency that will set firmly but remain creamy. Incorporating sour cream adds complexity while lime juice provides not only flavor but helps the filling set through a reaction with the condensed milk. The lime zest contributes intense aromatic oils that make the lime flavor pop.

Bake and Finish:

Pouring the filling over the hot crust helps create a seamless bond between layers. The additional 15 minute bake time allows the filling to start setting while developing flavor. Adding the coconut while the bars are still warm helps it adhere perfectly to the top. The minimum two hour chill time is crucial for proper setting.

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The lime zest is my absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe. I keep a microplane zester in my drawer specifically for citrus desserts like this one. The aromatic oils in the zest provide that unmistakable burst of lime flavor that bottled juice alone could never achieve.

Perfectly Chilled Bars

These coconut lime bars need proper chilling to achieve their ideal texture. For the best results refrigerate for at least 2 hours but overnight is even better as it allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together. The filling will firm up to a custard like consistency that slices cleanly when properly chilled. If you're in a hurry you can place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes but be careful not to freeze them completely.

Flavor Variations

While the classic coconut and lime combination is hard to beat there are several delicious variations worth exploring. Try replacing the lime with lemon for a different citrus profile or even passion fruit for an exotic twist. For coconut lovers toast the shredded coconut before sprinkling on top to enhance the nutty flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of rum to the filling for a subtle boozy note that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine when served chilled straight from the refrigerator especially on warm days. For an elegant presentation dust with powdered sugar just before serving or add a small dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For dessert serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet to create a memorable finale to any meal.

Storage Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to five days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the coconut and lime notes continue to develop. For longer storage you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply place the cut bars on a baking sheet until frozen solid then transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of milk if I don’t have coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or evaporated milk, but the coconut flavor will be less pronounced.

→ How long should I chill the bars to set them properly?

You should chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets properly.

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

While fresh lime juice is preferred for its superior flavor, bottled lime juice can be used as an alternative.

→ How can I make the bars vegan or dairy-free?

To make the bars vegan, you can replace butter with a vegan substitute, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and opt for plant-based condensed milk.

→ What’s the best way to cut clean slices of the bars?

For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry before each cut.