Indulge in the tropical flavors of these delightful coconut lime bars. The combination of zesty lime and sweet coconut creates a refreshing and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. These bars are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends.
If you don't usually stock shredded coconut or sweetened condensed milk in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. Shredded coconut can typically be found in the baking aisle, while sweetened condensed milk is usually located near the canned milk products. Fresh limes for juice and zest are essential for that burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients for Coconut Lime Bars Recipe
Flour: The base ingredient for the crust, providing structure and texture.
Shredded coconut: Adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture to the crust.
Butter: Used to bind the crust ingredients together and add richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the lime.
Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy and sweet filling that complements the lime.
Lime juice: Provides a fresh and tangy flavor to the filling.
Lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor with its aromatic oils.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Coconut Lime Bars
When pressing the crust mixture into the baking pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer. This helps the crust bake uniformly and provides a sturdy base for the lime filling.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
shredded coconut - Substitute with ground almonds: Ground almonds offer a similar texture and a mild, nutty flavor that complements the lime.
melted unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a dairy-free alternative.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut cream and maple syrup: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture, and maple syrup adds sweetness without dairy.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar tartness and acidity, though the flavor will be slightly different.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile and can enhance the overall taste of the bars.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Coconut Lime Bars
How to Store or Freeze Your Coconut Lime Bars
Allow the coconut lime bars to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures they set properly and are easier to handle.
Once cooled, cut the bars into desired portions. Use a sharp knife for clean edges.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents freezer burn.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
For a quick treat, microwave a frozen bar for about 10-15 seconds. This softens it just enough to enjoy without waiting for a full thaw.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the coconut lime bars on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the coconut lime bars on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 10-second intervals if necessary. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy.
For a quick stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the coconut lime bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't burn. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the coconut lime bars in the basket and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This method is great for keeping the bars crispy while warming them evenly.
Essential Tools for Making Coconut Lime Bars
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the crust and lime mixture at 350°F (175°C).
Baking pan: Greased to hold the crust and lime mixture while baking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, shredded coconut, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.
Whisk: Used to mix the lime mixture ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: Helps to press the crust mixture evenly into the baking pan.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour, shredded coconut, melted butter, granulated sugar, and lime juice accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lime zest and salt accurately.
Zester: Used to zest the lime for the lime mixture.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix dry ingredients like flour and shredded coconut in advance.
Use pre-squeezed lime juice: Save time by using bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you gather your ingredients to save time.
Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Cool in the fridge: Speed up the cooling process by placing the baking pan in the fridge.
Coconut Lime Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, shredded coconut, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.
- Pour the lime mixture over the baked crust. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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