Coconut Lime Bars

About 5 years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Belize and stayed at a beautiful hotel on the beach that had the most delicious coconut lime bars as a treat for guests. I was determined to get the recipe, but because the main chef was on vacation (I wonder where one vacations from the paradise of Belize?) all I was able to get was just a rough list of ingredients and some estimates. I'm proud to say that after many trials, I was finally able to recreate the magical Coconut Lime Bars. But, I really try to only make them on special occasions...they're so addictive and it's impossible to just have one!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You will need:

1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)

3 eggs

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 and 3/4 cup flour

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 and 1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Zest from 3 limes

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 375.

Butter a quarter sheet pan (or half sheet pan if making double)

Cover with parchment paper, folding in the corners and leaving a 2 inch overhang on 2 sides

Step 3: Melt Butter

Melt 1/2 cup or 1 stick of butter in microwave or in a small pan

Step 4: Grate Zest

Using a fine grater, grate the zest from 3 limes

Step 5: Add Ingredients to Mixer

Place the melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, the 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 egg in the bowl of a standing mixer

Step 6: Mix

Mix for a couple of minutes on low

Step 7: Add Zest and Flour

Add zest from 1 lime and 1 cup of flour

Step 8: Mix Again

Mix on low until incorporated, 30 seconds or so

Step 9: Spread the Batter

Spread the batter with a spatula into the prepared sheet pan

Step 10: Spread Evenly

Try to spread the batter as evenly as possible

Step 11: Bake the Crust

Bake until the crust is just golden, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, leaving the oven on.

Step 12: Make Coconut Topping

Meanwhile, wipe the bowl of the mixer and add 2/3 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla and zest from 2 limes

Step 13: Mix

Mix on low for a minute or so, add 3/4 cup flour

Step 14: Mix in Flour

Mix with a whisk or in the mixer just to blend the flour with other ingredients

Step 15: Add the Coconut

Then add 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut and mix in with a spoon or spatula

Step 16: Spread the Coconut Topping

Spread the coconut mixture on the baked crust, spreading as evenly as possible

Step 17: Sprinkle With More Coconut

Sprinkle with another 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Step 18: Bake the Bars

Bake for about 25 minutes until coconut flakes are slightly brown

Step 19: Don't Burn!

Watch closely to not burn…it can happen very quickly towards the end of the cooking time

Step 20: Cut the Bars

And now it’s time to cut them!

Step 21: And Time to Taste Them!

As you can see, there’s a whole row missing already and I haven’t even cut them yet!

Step 22: Look at These Gorgeous Coconut Lime Bars Made From Scratch!

Step 23: You Won't Believe How Delicious They Are

Step 24: Good Luck Having Just One!