I had every intention of sharing these coconut lime curd bars before the rah-rah-eat-all-the-desserts of the holidays was over. Thennn I didn’t. Whoops! But better late than never, right? Right. I’m still sticking to my leggings/yoga pants/pants with non-restrictive waistbands routine for the foreseeable future, after all (rather, afterallthecookiespiecakefastfoodroadtripfood).
While I’m a chocolate fanatic at heart, I have a super special weak spot for citrus-y desserts. Lemon bars, lemon cheesecake, lemon meringue, you name it. And don’t even get me started on lemon curd – I don’t think I’ve been the same since I first tried it. You mean to tell me I can slather tart, sweet deliciousness on a piece of bread and call it breakfast? Sign. me. up.
These lime curd bars take that same crave-inducing tartness and serve it up smack between two buttery, coconut flavored layers. Coconutty, buttery, tart, creamy, sweet…not even going to tell you how quickly this bars disappeared with just the two of us.
And did I mention that this coconut lime curd is egg-free? Light coconut milk takes its place for a really easy alternative. Promise.
These bars come together in a few steps, but the extra minutes are well worth it for the end result. I prepared the curd first and then refrigerated it while I whipped up the crust layers. Since the curd was warm after cooking on the stove top, refrigerating it cooled it quicker (duh, Alyssa) and allowed it to thicken even more. Sneaking a spoonful or three of cooled coconut lime curd is highly encouraged. Just please save some for the recipe – I’d be sad if you couldn’t experience it in bar form!
The first layer of the crust bakes first, then you spread what’s left of the lime curd, and then top with the remaining crust. Since the crust dough is malleable, I sort of haphazardly added flattened sections of it to the top of the lime curd. They call that rustic, right? 😉
One of the hardest steps of these bars is allowing them to cool completely in the fridge before slicing. But once they’re chilled though…game on!
Coconut Lime Curd Bars
Ingredients
For the Coconut Lime Curd:
- 3/4 cup light coconut milk
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 - 2 tsp lime zest amount from two limes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes ground
- 1/4 tsp cornstarch
- pinch of salt
- 1 stick 8 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
For the Coconut Lime Curd:
- Add coconut milk and cornstarch to a small saucepan and heat over low-medium to medium heat, whisking so cornstarch dissolves. Let mixture cook and thicken for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add lime juice, vanilla extract, lime zest, sugar, and salt and stir to combine. Let mixture cook for ten minutes or so more, until edges begin to slightly bubble and mixture has thickened.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tbsp butter until dissolved. Let curd cool at room temperature, or place in refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
For the bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together flour, ground coconut flakes, cornstarch, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter. You may also use your hands to work butter through evenly by pressing together the dough to form a cohesive ball.
- Line an 8" x 8" baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on opposite sides so that you will be able to easily pull out bars when ready to slice. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray. Press a little more than half of the batter into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until dough has slightly browned around the edges and has firmed a bit to the touch.
- Pour curd over top of the pre-cooked bottom dough, and place thin layers of the remaining dough on top of curd, in whatever pattern you prefer. Bake for 16-18 additional minutes, or until curd is bubbly and the top dough pieces have cooked. Remove from oven and let cool in pan on a wire rack. After ten or so minutes, place pan in the refrigerator to cool completely before slicing.
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Ooooh I’m typically not the biggest citrus dessert fan, but these bars sound amazing! I love coconut and lime, and these bars look so delicious.
Alyssa says
Thanks Rachel! There’s something about coconut + lime…delicious!
Mary Frances says
Same here! I love chocolate, but give me a lemon bar and I’m one happy camper. Oh, and are you kidding, I’ve lived in stretchy pants for a long time now. These look so good, I’m all over the coconut shortbread and creamy filling!
Alyssa says
Haha glad I’m in good company, Mary Frances! Thanks girl! 🙂
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I am glad you are sharing these now. I am craving a little dessert and these look so decadent.
Alyssa says
Thanks Kathy! I agree – everything in moderation!
Zainab says
So glad you shared these. I am a huge fan of citrus desserts as they are always so amazing!! I need to try this coconut lime combination!
Alyssa says
Yup, love them Zainab! Lemon, lime, orange, anything citrus. Thanks! 🙂
Ashley says
Coconut and lime is such a match made in heaven!! I didn’t really want sweets right after the holidays but now … now I’m ready again. Bring it on! These look delicious!
Alyssa says
I feel the same way! I couldn’t even look at desserts for awhile but now I’m right back to normal! Thanks! 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I’d break my January healthy eating run for these, Alyssa! Oh yes, definitely!
the coconut and lime combo is a really interesting twist on the classic lemon bar. Pinning these!
Alyssa says
Haha thanks Helen! I most certainly did, too!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These look amazing! The coconut-lime combination is tropical and fun 🙂
Alyssa says
Thank you Medha – I agree! 🙂
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
What an awesome combination of flavors! Lime curd just sounds soooo good and coupled with coconut – that has to be amazing!
Alyssa says
Thanks Annie! Lime + coconut is a great pairing, I couldn’t resist!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
I love this flavor combination Alyssa! I can just imagine eating these on the beach somewhere with a festive cocktail! Haha!
Alyssa says
Ooh Kristi that sounds preeetty wonderful. I’m in! 🙂
Marcie says
I think we have the same tastebuds…when I’m not all over salted chocolate desserts, it’s lemon and lime ones! The curd with coconut milk (and no eggs!) sounds so intriguing…I need to try that because sometimes I want curd and I’m low on eggs. Haha. And I always have coconut milk! Lovely bars…pinned!
Alyssa says
I think so Marcie! I sometimes get weird about egg-based desserts so pulling off one using coconut milk was the best! And thanks for the pin! 🙂
Annie @Maebells says
Sometimes I swear we could be twins!! I love chocolaty desserts too, but a close second is citrusy things like this! And if it has coconut then I am hooked! I love the idea of lime curd too! Genius!
Alyssa says
Haha I know right? Lime + coconut = YES. The flavors brighten up these COLD days we’ve been having, at least a little bit!
Danielle says
I’m totally with you on the yoga pants and anything with a waistband! I love chocolate , but when it comes to dessert I will always pick lemon/lime over it too. I love the coconut in these too, sounds delicious!
Alyssa says
Thanks Danielle! I don’t discriminate much when it comes to dessert, but these are up there on my list! 🙂
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
I love chocolate desserts, but I think citrus flavors are my favorite. These bars look so delicious! I love the favor combination. Pinning
Alyssa says
Thanks Cindy! I’m pretty much the opposite of stingy when it comes to desserts, but chocolate or citrus are my go-to’s. Really it’s a tough call. 🙂 And thanks for the pin!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I just ate ice cream last night after dinner, so I’m clearly not in diet mode yet. That will start Monday, right?! Ha! These bars sound delicious! I love coconut and lime together. Those 2 flavors together remind me of Hawaii, since I have lots of pina coladas while I’m there. I just love gooey bars like this. Yum!
Alyssa says
Haha! I may or may not have unearthed some extra Christmas cookies from the freezer, so I’m no angel myself. 🙂 Hawaii and pina coladas sound like a DREAM right now with how cold it’s been this winter! I haven’t been in the single digits for a few years. I wish I still had some of these bars to pretend it’s summertime!
Sues says
I LOVE anything most lime flavored and that’s especially true when it’s paired with coconut. Healthy resolutions can take a break while I snack on these 🙂
Alyssa says
I’m a huge lime fan too, Sues. And coconut. And lime/coconut. I’m thinking everything in moderation…including healthy resolutions. 🙂
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Love the honesty… I had every intention of sharing, but I didnt. Lol! 🙂 So, I wanna say yes, I’ll be making this, but I put on my gym pants yesterday and they felt tight, my elastic easy wearing clothes feel tight. Oops, best I stop the eating (even tho I do it as part of my job – that’s a good enough reason to eat – sounds like I’m justifying it to myself – have I gone far enough from the main point?) lol… To the gym I go, and bookmarking your amazing recipe for when I deserve to eat again. Happy Thursday friend! 🙂
Alyssa says
Haha, oh I’ve been there for sure. Love the holidays for indulgence, but sure enough come January I’m ready to straighten out my eating habits. With exceptions, of course, for bars like these. 🙂 And eating as part of your job is quite wonderful sounding, and a valid excuse in my eyes. Happy Friday now to you, friend!