Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest until smooth.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to firm up.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares or bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the taste of the tropics!
Recipe Notes
- For an extra burst of coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the lime zest out of the filling mixture before pouring it over the crust.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the bars by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar in the filling.