Coconut Lemon Bars Clara quick dinners

Coconut Lemon Bars are a tropical twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a vibrant lemon filling, and a layer of shredded coconut that adds texture and flavor. These bars are tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced—ideal for spring and summer treats, brunches, or afternoon snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Coconut Lemon Bars combine bright citrus with the nutty richness of coconut for a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and offer a unique upgrade to traditional lemon bars. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the tart lemon and chewy coconut topping, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• Eggs
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Baking powder
• Shredded sweetened coconut
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake for 1518 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar until combined.
6. Stir in flour and baking powder until smooth, then fold in the shredded coconut.
7. Pour the lemon-coconut mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
8. Return to the oven and bake for 2025 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden around the edges.
9. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 3540 minutes total
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Toasted Coconut: Toast the shredded coconut before mixing it into the filling for added depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and filling.
• Extra Tangy: Add more lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract for an extra citrus punch.
• Nutty Crust: Add ground almonds or pecans to the crust mixture for extra texture.
• Mini Bars: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions—adjust baking time accordingly.

storage/reheating

Store Coconut Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer or between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

What kind of coconut should I use?

Shredded sweetened coconut works best for flavor and texture, but unsweetened can be used for a less sweet result.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter in the crust.

Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The center should no longer jiggle and a light golden color will appear around the edges.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, these bars taste even better the next day and store well in the fridge.

Can I use coconut flour?

Coconut flour is not a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour and may alter texture. Stick to shredded coconut for this recipe.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust is essential to keeping it firm and preventing sogginess.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes! Lime juice and zest can be used for a delicious variation.

Should I refrigerate after baking?

Yes, chilling the bars helps them set and makes slicing easier.

Why did my lemon layer crack?

Overbaking or sudden cooling can cause cracks. Bake just until set and let cool gradually at room temperature.

Conclusion

Coconut Lemon Bars are a sunny, tropical upgrade to the classic lemon dessert. With a crisp, buttery crust, zesty lemon filling, and chewy coconut topping, these bars are a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any time of year. Easy to make and easy to love—add them to your baking list today.

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