Ingredients
Coconut Shortbread Crust
- 227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 113 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g unsweetened coconut flakes
Coconut Key Lime Filling
- 6 egg yolks
- 15 oz (about 425 g) Roland Foods Cream of Coconut
- 14 oz (about 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 250 g key lime juice
Whipped Cream Topping
- 113 g heavy cream, cold
- 12 g granulated sugar
- Key lime zest, for garnish
- Additional unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Shortbread Crust: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, and beat for an additional 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour gradually and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the unsweetened coconut flakes evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Chill the Crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch square pan using your hands or a piece of parchment paper to achieve a smooth, firm layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help it set.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the crust from the fridge and dock it by pricking the surface gently with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the crust turns an even golden brown. Remove and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Coconut Key Lime Filling: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until frothy. Add cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh key lime juice, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Filling: Pour the filling over the cooled shortbread crust and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the edges bubble and start to achieve a slight golden tint.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate uncovered overnight to let the flavors meld and the filling set firmly.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a chilled glass measuring cup, combine the cold heavy cream and granulated sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, whip until medium peaks form.
- Serve: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Cut the chilled bars into squares, pipe a dollop of whipped cream on each, then garnish with fresh key lime zest and additional coconut flakes. Serve and enjoy your tropical dessert!
Notes
- Be sure to chill the crust before baking to prevent shrinking and ensure even baking.
- Key lime juice can be substituted with regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
- Allowing the bars to chill overnight enhances the texture and flavor melding.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut-based whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American