Lemon and Blueberry Bars with a Coconut Crust
Need I say more? It’s that time of year again–gift plates for my kids’ teachers. This year, I decided to make four special treats for the teachers. First up are these lemon and blueberry bars with a coconut crust. Words cannot express how tasty these treats are!!! I love the coconut crust with the tart lemon and the sweet blueberries on top–a perfect combination!
Lemon and Blueberry Bars with a Coconut Crust
Coconut Crust:
- 1 cup of flour
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- â…› tsp salt
- 1 stick of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ tsp vanilla
Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- â…“ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- A handful of fresh blueberries
Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for topping)
How to Make Lemon and Blueberry Bars with a Coconut Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang, then coat the parchment with cooking spray.
Make the crust by combining the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
Add the butter pieces, coconut, and vanilla, then mix with hands until crumbly.
Press evenly into the bottom of your baking pan.
Bake the crust until lightly golden, about 18-20 minutes. Set crust aside.
Make the filling by whisking the sugar, eggs, flour, and salt.
Add lemon zest and juice and mix until well combined.
Bake the lemon bars by putting the baking dish in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Cool completely before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Slice and enjoy.
Â
Equipment
Ingredients
Coconut Crust:
- 1 cup of flour
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- â…› tsp salt
- 1 stick of cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ tsp vanilla
Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- â…› tsp salt
- â…“ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- A handful of fresh blueberries
Serving:
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang, then coat the parchment with cooking spray.
- Make the crust by combining the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the butter pieces, coconut, and vanilla, then mix with hands until crumbly.
- Press evenly into the bottom of your baking pan.
- Bake the crust until lightly golden, about 18-20 minutes. Set the crust aside.
- Make the filling by whisking the sugar, eggs, flour, and salt.
- Add lemon zest and juice and mix until well combined.
- Pour lemon filling over the hot crust, then add the blueberries evenly on top of the filling.
- Bake the lemon bars by putting the baking dish in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool completely before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
- Slice and enjoy.
Oh man! I just made some lemon blueberry cheesecake bars the other day. I totally would have used this coconut crust if I had seen it. Next time for sure!
Best recipe ever, my family loves this…
Could I substitute coconut oil instead of butter for the crust?
Brenduh,
I’ve never cooked with coconut oil so I am not sure. I did find this link… I hope it helps.
http://www.kristiemcnealy.com/coconut-oil-as-an-alternative-to-butter-or-shortening/
Cheers,
Pam
Oh these look totally amazing. I’ve made lemon bars with a shortbread crust, but never with a coconut crust! YUM!
Mine didn’t look very pretty but they were so very delicious! Great recipe. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
it is ok to use canned blueberries?
I have a feeling canned blueberries would make the lemon bars blue. If you do use them, let me know how they turn out.
Cheers,
Pam
Thanks for sharing your recipe. I love everything with lemon in it . I have made lemon bars with a shortbread crust and graham crackers. Never thought to use coconut.
Can’t wait to try this ! 🙂
Thanks again!
Can you substitute frozen blueberries?
BrendaI,
YES! Keep them frozen until just before folding them in and baking to prevent the berries from staining the batter blue.
Pam