There’s something truly magical about coconut bars that brings me back to summer afternoons spent at my grandmother’s kitchen. She would always have a batch of her famous coconut bars cooling on the counter, their sweet aroma filling the air. We would sit together, enjoying each bite while sharing stories of our day. This modern twist incorporates a zesty lime flavor that adds a refreshing kick to the classic recipe, transforming it into a delightful treat that pays homage to those cherished moments.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed.

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For a touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

These Chewy Coconut Lime Dream Bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the love and warmth found in family traditions, with a zesty twist that encourages new memories to be made. Enjoy!