Description
Make refreshing, sliceable coconut lime bars without turning on your oven. These bars use a simple graham cracker crust and a creamy, chilled filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, divided
- Green food coloring (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Add the flavor: Mix in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. If desired, add one or two drops of green food coloring for a brighter lime color.
- Incorporate the coconut: Fold in 1 cup of the shredded sweetened coconut.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over the top layer.
- Chill: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the bars are completely firm and set.
- Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice changes the taste.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, you can bake the crust for 8 minutes at 350°F, but this recipe is designed to be completely no-bake.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25