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Tropical Coconut Lime Bars

A refreshing and easy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a thick, gooey coconut-lime filling made with condensed milk, and a toasted coconut top.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 full sheets
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
Filling
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup fresh lime juice about 3-4 limes
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime zest
Topping
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Garnish (Optional)
  • Thin lime slices
  • Toasted coconut flakes

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. While crust bakes, make the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup unsweetened coconut, 1/2 cup sweetened coconut, lime juice, and lime zest until combined. The mixture will be very thick.
  5. Pour the thick filling over the warm, pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sweetened coconut evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
  8. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Then, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, until firm.
  9. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out. Cut into 16 squares. Garnish with lime slices if desired.

Notes

Chilling is a mandatory step! This allows the bars to set, ensuring clean cuts. Do not substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. Running your knife under hot water between cuts makes slicing easier.