Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut offer a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a zesty lemon filling combined with a hint of tropical coconut.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T10:33:49.289Z

These Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Meyer lemons with the rich, sweet flavor of coconut. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy flavor from fresh Meyer lemons
  • Creamy coconut layer that adds a unique twist
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing

A Unique Flavor Profile

Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut provide a refreshing twist on the traditional lemon bar. The unique sweetness of Meyer lemons, which are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, adds a depth of flavor that is both bright and tangy. This citrus fruit is less acidic than regular lemons, resulting in a more balanced flavor that pairs wonderfully with coconut. The addition of shredded coconut not only enhances the taste but also contributes a delightful texture, making each bite a tropical escape.

The creamy coconut layer complements the zesty lemon filling, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bar is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the light coconut flavor rounding out the experience. This delightful combination makes these bars an ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack.

Easy to Make and Perfect for Sharing

One of the best aspects of this Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut recipe is its simplicity. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. In less than an hour, you can prepare a batch of these delicious bars, allowing you to whip up a delightful treat without spending all day in the kitchen.

These bars are also perfect for sharing with friends and family. Their portable size makes them an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a sweet surprise for loved ones. With their eye-catching appearance and irresistible flavor, they are sure to impress everyone at the gathering, leaving them asking for the recipe!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut:

For the Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.

Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, shredded coconut, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.

Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut!

Tips for Perfect Meyer Lemon Bars

To ensure the best results, use fresh Meyer lemons for both juice and zest. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide the most vibrant flavor, while the zest adds aromatic oils that enhance the overall taste. When zesting, be careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the skin, as this can affect the flavor of your bars.

Make sure to properly measure your ingredients for accurate results. Use a kitchen scale for the flour and sugar if possible, as this can lead to a more consistent texture in your bars. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the amount of coconut or reduce the flour slightly to achieve the desired consistency.

Variations to Try

While the classic Meyer Lemon and coconut combination is delightful, you can easily switch things up with other flavors. Consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the filling for a richer taste, or mix in different types of citrus zest for a more complex flavor profile.

For a nutty twist, try incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts into the crust or filling. These additions can provide a satisfying crunch and complement the tropical theme of the bars. Alternatively, you could drizzle the cooled bars with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra layer of sweetness.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, but Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, which gives a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store the leftover bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these lemon bars?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are wrapped well.

→ What can I substitute for shredded coconut?

You can omit the coconut or use chopped nuts if desired.

Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut

Meyer Lemon Bars with Coconut offer a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a zesty lemon filling combined with a hint of tropical coconut.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 bars

What You'll Need

For the Crust

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

  1. 2 large eggs
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  6. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  8. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, shredded coconut, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.

Step 04

Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.

Step 05

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 17g
  • Protein: 2g