Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that perfectly balances creamy coconut richness with the bright, tangy zip of key limes. These Coconut Key Lime Bars are the ultimate tropical escape that you can enjoy right in your own kitchen. The buttery graham cracker crust, infused with toasted coconut flakes, provides the perfect foundation for the silky-smooth key lime filling that’s simultaneously tart and sweet. One bite and you’ll be transported to a sunny beach with palm trees swaying in the breeze.
I developed this recipe after returning from a memorable trip to the Florida Keys, where I became obsessed with authentic key lime pie. But I wanted to put my own spin on this classic dessert by incorporating another tropical favorite—coconut—into both the crust and the topping. The result is a dessert that’s more complex in flavor than traditional key lime pie, with layers of texture and taste that make these bars truly unforgettable. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a mental vacation to someplace warm and breezy.
These Coconut Key Lime Bars strike the perfect balance between decadence and refreshment. The key to their incredible flavor is using real key lime juice rather than regular lime juice. Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than Persian limes, with a distinctive floral quality that makes all the difference in this dessert. If you can’t find fresh key limes, bottled key lime juice is a good substitute, but avoid using regular lime juice if possible—the flavor profile just isn’t the same.
The coconut appears in three different forms throughout these bars: toasted coconut in the crust, coconut cream in the filling, and toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top. This triple-coconut approach ensures that its tropical flavor comes through clearly without overwhelming the key lime. The combination creates a dessert that feels simultaneously indulgent and light—perfect for ending a summer meal when you want something sweet but not too heavy.
What makes these bars truly special is their textural contrast. The crust has a pleasant graininess from the graham crackers and toasted coconut, while the filling is silky-smooth and melts in your mouth. The final sprinkle of toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch that ties everything together. The visual appeal is also stunning—the pale green filling topped with golden toasted coconut makes for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests before they even take a bite.
Coconut Key Lime Bars
Creamy, tangy key lime bars with a coconut graham cracker crust and toasted coconut topping—a tropical dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (from about 1 pound of key limes or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- ¼ cup cream of coconut (not coconut milk)
- ¼ teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup coconut flakes, toasted
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Thinly sliced lime rounds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, toasted coconut, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling. Keep the oven on.
Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly thickened.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, cream of coconut, and coconut extract (if using). Whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the partially cooled crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour).
Finish and Serve:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes evenly over the top.
- Cut into 16 squares with a clean, sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
- If desired, top each bar with a small dollop of whipped cream and a tiny slice of lime before serving.
The beauty of these Coconut Key Lime Bars is that they’re actually better when made ahead of time. The flavors meld and intensify after a night in the refrigerator, making this the perfect dessert to prepare in advance for gatherings. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long once people taste them!
If you’re looking to customize these bars, there are several delicious variations you might try. White chocolate chips make a wonderful addition to the crust, adding another layer of sweetness and creaminess. You could also experiment with a macadamia nut crust instead of graham crackers for an even more tropical twist. For an adult version, consider adding a tablespoon of rum to the filling—it pairs beautifully with the coconut and lime flavors.
One important tip for perfect Coconut Key Lime Bars: don’t rush the cooling and chilling time. The bars need time to set properly so they can be cut cleanly and hold their shape. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm or even just room temperature, you’ll end up with a messy (though still delicious) situation. Patience is key to achieving those picture-perfect squares that are firm enough to pick up but still wonderfully creamy when you bite into them.
Whether you’re serving these at a summer barbecue, bringing them to a potluck, or just treating yourself after a long day, these Coconut Key Lime Bars are guaranteed to bring a bit of tropical sunshine to your day. The combination of zesty key lime and luscious coconut creates a dessert that’s sophisticated yet approachable, and impossible to resist. One taste of these bars, and you’ll understand why the Florida Keys are famous for their key lime desserts—with my coconut twist, they’re even more extraordinary!
