Tangy, sweet Lemon Coconut Bars with a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon topping, and toast coconut finish!

Close-up of coconut-topped lemon bars cut into squares and stacked on a wooden surface.

Aimee’s Recipe Notes

Smiling woman with brown hair in a floral blouse standing in a bright kitchen.

Lemon desserts are fresh and comforting at the same time. There’s something about that sweet-tart balance that cuts through the richness of most desserts.

These tart bars are based off my classic lemon bars. I added coconut and topped them with powdered sugar instead of a lemon glaze. You’ll love it.

So easy to make and they freeze well too!

xo,

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Lemon Coconut Bars Recipe

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Buttery shortbread lemon bars with a chewy coconut topping!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients 

For the Crust:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose baking
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 lemon, zested & juiced, see notes
  • 1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut, divided

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl with paddle attachment (to an electric mixer), combine crust ingredients. Turn on low and mix until crumbly. You could skip the mixer and cut them together with a pastry cutter or your hands.
  • Press crumbs into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • While the crust is baking, make the lemon filling. You can use the same bowl. Combine sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, lemon zest & juice. Mix until blended.
  • After 15 minutes, remove crust from oven and immediately pour the lemon mixture over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the coconut over the top.
  • Return baking pan to the oven for 10 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 cup coconut over the top and cook an additional 10 minutes.
  • Cool bars, then chill for 2 hours (or longer). Cut into bars and sprinkle with about 1-2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar. Enjoy.

Notes

  • You’ll need one lemon for this recpe. I don’t measure anymore, but it will be about 1 teaspoon of zest and 2 Tablespoons of juice.
  • Store bars in the refrigerator for up to one week. Or freeze for up to one month.
  • These are best served COLD.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 174kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 37mg, Potassium: 37mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 207IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: members only
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!
Aimee Shugarman

About Aimee Shugarman

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

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Posted on April 13, 2026

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