Desserts > Bars > Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars with Coconut Crust Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Zester

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup shredded coconut. Add in 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Mix until the dough is crumbly.

3. Press the dough into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.

4. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

5. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

6. Let the lemon bars cool completely before slicing into squares.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- 12-16 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened shredded coconut.
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Variations:
- You can add a layer of raspberry jam on top of the crust before pouring the lemon filling.
- You can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon juice and zest.
- You can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top of the lemon bars before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the lemon bars cool completely before slicing, or they will fall apart.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars into clean, even squares.
- Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- You can serve the lemon bars cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, you can heat them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the lemon bars with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve the lemon bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the lemon bars before serving.
- Top the lemon bars with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries.

Pairings:
- Serve the lemon bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Pair the lemon bars with a glass of sparkling water or lemonade.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the lemon bars as a dessert after a meal of grilled chicken and roasted vegetables.
- Pair the lemon bars with a side of fresh fruit salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water to the dough until it comes together.
- If the lemon filling is too runny, bake the bars for an additional 5-10 minutes until the filling is set.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the lemon bars.
- Store the lemon bars in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Lemon bars are a classic American dessert that originated in the early 20th century.

Flavor profiles:
- The lemon bars have a sweet and tangy flavor, with a buttery coconut crust.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lemon bars as a dessert after a meal, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Taste: Citrusy, Sweet, Coconutty, Tart, Zesty