These lemon coconut bars are the ultimate Spring dessert made with layers of buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling and toasted coconut, they are perfection!

stacked lemon bars on white plate

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Coconut Lemon Bars – A Fun Tropical Twist!

Lemon bars are one of those oldie-but-goodie classics that will never go out of food fashion. I’ve updated them a bit here with some coconut in the shortbread layer and on top, but don’t despair, the buttery crust and creamy, tangy filling you love are still there.

The coconut adds just the right layer of tropical flavor, and will have people saying, “Ooooh, what is that I’m tasting in there?”

The coconut and lemon combination is a long standing favorite of mine and I use it in lemon lasagna and these lemon coconut energy balls. The bright and citrusy flavor from the lemon paired with the sweet and nutty flavor from the coconut is a match made in heaven. And that’s no exception in this lemon coconut bars recipe!

So, do you need another reason to make these? Just in case, besides the fantastic flavor, these coconut lemon bars are also really easy to make. While the crust is baking, you whip up the filling in a food processor, pour it into the hot crust, and a short twenty-five minutes later pull out these perfect little citrusy bites with a soft coconut fragrance and use all of your willpower not to dig in right then with a fork!

lemon bar ingredients on counter

Lemon and Coconut Bar Layers

  • Shortbread crust: The base of this recipe starts with a buttery shortbread crust made with flour, softened butter, powdered sugar and sweetened shredded coconut. The addition of coconut is an easy way to ramp up the coconut flavor even more in this dessert. The crust bakes in the oven first before adding the filling and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
  • Lemon filling: Next comes the gooey lemon filling. It’s the same filling as you would find in traditional lemon bars, made with granulated sugar, lemon zest and juice, eggs, flour, salt and baking powder. All of the ingredients get pulsed together in the food processor until smooth, then poured over the crust to bake.
  • Toasted coconut: The last layer in this delicious dessert is the sweetened shredded coconut. It gets added evenly on top of the filling and bakes until lightly toasted. It’s the perfect finishing touch and adds a great flavor and texture!

Using Fresh Lemons

Besides the coconut, the fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars of this recipe. They add a tangy and citrusy flavor that brightens up the dessert. Look for heavier lemons that are bright yellow and have a smooth skin with no wrinkles. The thinner the skin, the juicier it will be.

If you’re lemons are a little too firm, try giving them a roll on the counter to loosen up the membranes. Press down firmly on the fruit with the palm of your head, then roll back and forth. This helps make them more pliable to juice.

sliced lemon bars on counter

Variations

  • Lemon zest: For a more tart flavor, add a little more lemon zest into the filling.
  • Sweeter: You may also sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar for a sweeter taste.
  • Flakes: Coconut flakes could also be used in place of shredded coconut.

Baking Tips

  • Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference in this recipe. Although store-bought bottles of lemon juice are convenient, you will not get the same fresh flavor. So I definitely do not recommend taking a shortcut in this instance.
  • Making the crust – Similar to when making pie crust, there should be small pea-sized lumps of butter in the dough. This is key for a more crumbly and tender texture. I like to use a pastry cutter to cut in the butter.
  • Filling – Over baking the filling can cause the top to crack, so make sure not let it brown. Remove the bars from the oven when the filling no longer jiggles. It will continue to set up as it cools.
  • Let chill – This dessert must cool completely before serving so that the filling has time to set. Let the bars cool after removing from the oven, then place in the fridge for a few hours to chill.

How to Store Lemon Coconut Bars

Any leftover bars can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 days. If you would like to freeze them, place the bars in a freezer container with a piece of wax paper in between each layer. Then freeze for up to 3 months.

stacked lemon bars on white plate

Try these other lemon dessert recipe favorites! Glazed lemon cookies, lemon crepes, lemon brownies and lemon cake mix cookies.

More Lemon Desserts

stacked lemon bars on white plate

Lemon Coconut Bars

5 from 20 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16
These lemon coconut bars are the ultimate Spring dessert made with layers of buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling and toasted coconut, they are perfection!
Print Pin This! Rate

Video

Ingredients 

Crust

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup salted butter , at room temp

Filling

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • Pinch fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. Gather ingredients.
  • In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, stir 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup coconut, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together on low speed. Add 3/4 cup butter and beat until clumps form, about the size of peas. Alternatively, you could use a pastry cutter.
  • Press dough onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of the baking pan. Bake until the edges are lightly golden, about 20 minutes.

Filling

  • In a food processor, pulse 1 3/4 cups sugar and lemon zest until zest is finely ground. Blend in 1/3 cup lemon juice, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Pulse until mixture is smooth. Then pour mixture over the crust.
  • Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut across the top. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is firm and no longer jiggles. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. 
  • Cut into bars to serve.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Storage: Store the bars in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. 
Butter: Learn how to soften butter quickly with these easy methods. 

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 52mg, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 220IU, Vitamin C: 1.8mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe contributed by Jennifer from The Chronicles of Home.