Lemony Coconut Bars

These lemony and chewy bars make a refreshing addition to the holiday cookie tray. Try lime juice and zest for a zingy twist.

Lemony Coconut Bars

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling
YIELD: 2 dozen.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • FILLING:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

  • GLAZE:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; gradually beat in flour, mixing well.
  • 2. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until edges are golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  • 3. For filling, in a large bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, lemon zest and extracts until blended. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt; stir into egg mixture. Stir in coconut and pecans. Spread over crust.
  • 4. Bake until golden brown, 17-20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth; drizzle over warm filling. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 208 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.