Bright, tangy, and utterly irresistible, Coconut Lime Bars are what dessert dreams are made of. Think of a velvety, zesty lime filling infused with creamy coconut atop a buttery graham cracker crust, all finished with a blizzard of sweet toasted coconut. Whether you’re craving a summertime treat or need a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, these bars bring a smile (and a zing!) to any occasion. Once you taste that tropical pop of flavor layered over such a tender base, you’ll understand why these are a favorite in my kitchen year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Coconut Lime Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient serves an essential role. You’ll love how the everyday pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture, from the crunchy crust to the luscious, citrusy filling.

Graham crackers: Crushed for a sturdy, toasty foundation that holds up the creamy layers beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the crust, keeping each bite perfectly balanced.
White sugar: Offers sweetness in both the crust and filling, rounding out the tartness of the lime.
Butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Sweetened condensed milk: The heart of the creamy filling, adding sweetness and silky texture.
Full fat coconut milk: Brings luxurious coconut flavor and richness that makes the bars extra dreamy.
Sour cream: Delivers a gentle tang and keeps the filling incredibly smooth.
Lime juice, freshly squeezed preferred: Gives the bars their signature citrus sparkle—fresh juice makes all the difference!
Lime zest: Packs a punch of lime oil and fragrance, taking the flavor from good to unforgettable.
Coconut extract, optional: For those who can’t get enough coconut, a splash intensifies the tropical aroma.
Green food coloring, optional: Add a couple drops if you want that playful pastel green look (totally optional, but fun).
Sweetened shredded coconut: Sprinkled on top for texture and that picture-perfect, toasty finish.

How to Make Coconut Lime Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

First things first—preheat your oven to 350℉. Grab your baking dish (an 8×8, 9×9, or even 9×13 will do) and line it snugly with parchment paper. This step makes lifting out and slicing your Coconut Lime Bars a total breeze. Trust me, a little parchment paper magic means cleaner edges and zero sticking.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your crushed graham crackers, sugar, flour, and melted butter until fully combined. The mixture should look sandy and hold together when pressed. Firmly press it into the bottom of your lined pan, making sure to cover every corner for an even base. Bake for 15 minutes—just until slightly golden and set.

Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Lime Filling

While that dreamy crust is baking, it’s time to whisk up the star of the show! Combine the sweetened condensed milk, full fat coconut milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest in a bowl. If you’re feeling extra tropical, add a splash of coconut extract, and for a hint of fun, a couple drops of green food coloring. Mix everything together until your filling looks creamy and totally smooth.

Step 4: Bake Again, Then Top and Chill

Pour the luscious coconut-lime filling over your pre-baked crust and pop the pan back in the oven for another 15 minutes. Once the bars are out and still warm, immediately sprinkle the shredded coconut on top. This lets the coconut soften a bit and infuse the filling with even more coconut goodness. Now, the hardest part: let your bars chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours so they set into a sliceable, creamy treat.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Set on a cutting board, slice into squares or rectangles, and get ready for rave reviews—your Coconut Lime Bars are ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Coconut Lime Bars

Garnishes

A little extra love goes a long way with desserts! For Coconut Lime Bars, a dusting of lime zest, a wedge of fresh lime, or even a drizzle of white chocolate makes each piece pop. I also love a scatter of extra toasted coconut for a beautiful presentation and delicious crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit—think juicy mango or a bowl of mixed berries. If you’re hosting a party, balance things with a lightly sweetened iced tea or chilled coconut water for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into tiny squares for a fun dessert platter, or serve on a rustic wooden board with edible flower petals for a special occasion. For picnics, wrap each Coconut Lime Bar in parchment and twine for a grab-and-go treat that still feels fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Coconut Lime Bars store wonderfully in the fridge. Just cover the pan tightly or keep individual bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to a week, making them ideal for prepping ahead for parties or snacking all week long.

Freezing

Want to enjoy a little taste of the tropics later? Coconut Lime Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then tuck them in a resealable bag. They’ll keep for up to six months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. But if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving for a creamier bite.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lime juice truly makes a difference in flavor, delivering a bright, clean citrus tang. Bottled works in a pinch, but for the authentic zing that Coconut Lime Bars are known for, fresh is always worth it.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free graham crackers and your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a treat everyone can enjoy. The flavors will still sing with tropical goodness.

Do Coconut Lime Bars need to be kept in the fridge?

Yes, the filling stays creamiest and safest to eat when stored chilled. Always keep your Coconut Lime Bars refrigerated until ready to serve, especially in warm weather.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Go for it! You can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan for a party-sized batch. The bake time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the filling for doneness.

What’s the best way to cut bars cleanly?

For perfect slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled. Lining your pan with parchment paper lets you lift and slice easily, keeping those layers neat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dessert that delivers sunshine in every bite, you absolutely have to try Coconut Lime Bars. With a vibrant burst of citrus and swoon-worthy coconut flavor, they’re sure to become your new go-to sweet. So grab your favorite pan and get baking—these bars are just too good not to share!