If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible, these Lemon Coconut Bars are for you! With a buttery lemon crust and a creamy coconut topping, every bite is a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness. These bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy ideal for spring and summer gatherings!
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these bars will be your new favorite go to dessert. The best part? They taste even better after being chilled, making them a refreshing and indulgent treat for warm days. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
- 1 box of powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, 2 eggs, and melted butter. Stir until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the powdered sugar, the remaining 2 eggs, and the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the sweetened flaked coconut and mix well.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly wobbly.
- Allow to cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 bars
Lemon Coconut Bars – The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Dessert
When it comes to simple yet irresistible desserts, Lemon Coconut Bars stand out as a must try treat. These bars bring together the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon with the tropical sweetness of coconut, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. With a soft, chewy texture and a creamy, melt in your mouth topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a treat for your family, or just satisfying your own sweet tooth.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a few pantry staples like lemon cake mix, powdered sugar, eggs, butter, cream cheese, and coconut, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The combination of a rich, buttery crust and a creamy, coconut infused topping ensures that each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors.
The Magic of Lemon and Coconut Together
Lemon and coconut may seem like an unexpected pairing, but together, they create a match made in dessert heaven. The tartness of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the coconut, offering a perfect balance that keeps the bars from becoming overly sugary. This contrast makes them incredibly satisfying, as each bite delivers a burst of bright citrus flavor followed by the comforting creaminess of coconut.
In addition to their complementary flavors, both lemon and coconut bring unique textures to the dessert. The soft, chewy coconut adds a bit of bite, while the lemon infused crust provides a sturdy yet tender base. This interplay of textures makes the bars not just delicious but also fun to eat.
Why These Lemon Coconut Bars Are a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why you should add these bars to your baking rotation, but here are a few that stand out:
1. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is. Unlike some desserts that require precise measurements and complex techniques, these bars come together in just a few easy steps. With a simple mixing process and a single baking session, even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Lemon Coconut Bars are versatile enough to be served at a variety of events. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert to enjoy with afternoon tea, a sweet treat to bring to a gathering, or a special dessert for holiday celebrations, these bars fit the bill. Their bright and sunny flavors make them especially popular during spring and summer, but they’re delicious all year round.
3. A Great Make-Ahead Dessert
Not all desserts taste better the next day, but these Lemon Coconut Bars do! Once they’ve been chilled in the refrigerator, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture becomes even more delightful. This makes them an excellent choice for meal prepping or for making ahead of time when hosting guests. Simply bake, refrigerate, and serve when needed.
4. A Unique Alternative to Traditional Lemon Bars
While classic lemon bars are always a hit, adding coconut brings a tropical twist that sets this recipe apart. If you’re looking for a way to elevate traditional lemon bars and introduce a new flavor profile, this recipe is a fantastic way to do so. The coconut doesn’t overpower the lemon; instead, it enhances the dessert with a hint of richness and depth.
5. Easily Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Want to add a bit of crunch? Try mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. Looking for an extra citrusy kick? Add some lemon zest to the batter for an intensified lemon flavor. If you love a bit of texture variation, toasting the coconut before mixing it in can bring out an even deeper, nutty flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Lemon Coconut Bars
How to Serve Them
Lemon Coconut Bars are best served chilled, as refrigeration helps them firm up and develop their signature texture. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you prefer a softer consistency. These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them a fantastic addition to brunch spreads or afternoon snack platters.
For an elegant touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving. If you want to enhance their tropical appeal, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a garnish of toasted coconut flakes can take them to the next level.
Best Ways to Store
Because these bars contain cream cheese, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert to have on hand throughout the week.
If you’d like to freeze them for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Common Questions About Lemon Coconut Bars
Can I Use Fresh Lemon Instead of Lemon Cake Mix?
Yes! While lemon cake mix provides an easy shortcut, you can make a homemade lemon base by using all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and fresh lemon juice/zest for a more from scratch experience.
Can I Reduce the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the powdered sugar in the topping or use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened flaked coconut. Balancing the flavors with a bit more lemon zest can also help create a more tart contrast.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make these bars dairy free, substitute the butter with a plant based alternative and use a dairy free cream cheese. There are many excellent dairy free cream cheese brands available that work well in baking.
Can I Add Extra Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Chopped macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries or pineapple chunks can be excellent additions to enhance the flavor and texture.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Bars
Lemon Coconut Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, rich and refreshing. Whether you’re a fan of citrus desserts or a lover of coconut, this recipe offers something special for everyone. Their ease of preparation, ability to be made ahead, and delightful combination of textures make them a standout dessert that you’ll find yourself making time and time again.
With their beautiful golden crust, creamy coconut topping, and irresistible flavor, these bars will become a household favorite. So why not give them a try? With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of bars that taste like sunshine in every bite!