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From My Kitchen To Yours
Easy Recipes

Lemon Coconut Bars

 

Lemon coconut bars are a delightful dessert combining a refreshing citrus flavor with the tropical notes of coconut. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a tangy lemon layer topped with sweetened coconut flakes, these bars are a perfect balance of texture and flavor. They’re great for picnics, gatherings, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

 

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Coconut Topping:

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

 

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it is completely blended and has a crumbly texture.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Lemon Filling:

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

Add the Coconut Topping:

Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the lemon filling.

Bake:

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the coconut is lightly toasted.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cut them into squares or bars.

Serve:

Enjoy them as they are, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

 

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving: Lemon coconut bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. They are particularly refreshing when served slightly cold on a hot day.

Storage: If there are any bars left over, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  These bars also freeze well. Each one is wrapped well and frozen for not more than 2 months. To let it defrost you just place it into the fridge overnight.

 

Tips for Success:

Lemon Zest and Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same brightness in taste.
Coconut Topping: Keep an eye on the coconut as it bakes. It can go from perfectly toasted to burned very quickly.
Cutting: To get clean slices, chill the bars in the fridge before cutting them. Cut it and wipe the knife after each cut.

 

Health Benefits:

While lemon coconut bars are a sweet treat, they offer some nutritional benefits:

Lemon Juice: Excellent source of vitamin C which helps in boosting body immunity.

Coconut: Fiber and healthy fats present in coconuts can assist in the processes of digestion and are also sources of energy.

However, because these bars contain sugar and butter, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 bar):
Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Variations and Substitutions:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour mixture in place of all-purpose flour.

Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.

Tropical Twist: Add a layer of pineapple chunks to the lemon filling for a tropical twist.

Almond Touch: Swap out the coconut topping for slivered almonds to create lemon almond bars.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of a fresh lemon for this recipe? 
A: Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives.

Q: Can I make lemon coconut bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, lemon coconut bars can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
They’re better the day after and the flavors meld into a lovely concoction.

Q: Can I substitute the coconut with another topping?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can top the bars with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds, or even leave the topping off entirely for a simple lemon bar.

 

Conclusion

Lemon coconut bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Their simplicity in preparation, combined with the rich flavor of lemons and the tropical hint of coconut, makes them a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends at a gathering or indulging in a quiet moment at home, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Experiment with variations and make them your own!

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