Are you up for a zesty treat? Look no further because my Lime Cake Bars are exactly the dessert your sweet tooth has been craving! Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a coconut garnish, the flavor profile on these Lime Cake Bars is out of this world!

I am always up for a strong lime flavor, which is why I decided to add an extra splash of lime extract to my recipe. Of course, this is optional – but for those who love that extra citrusy taste, it’s a great way to get the flavor! Lime is absolutely refreshing and one of my personal favorites, which is why I am seriously obsessed over these cake bars!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter – softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest from 1 lime
• 1 tsp lime juice
• (optional) For a stronger lime taste add 1/2-1 tsp lime extract

Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese – softened
• 2 tbsp butter – softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp lime juice
• Zest from 1 lime

Topping:

• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• Zest from 1 lime

Yields : 24 Bars

Prep Time : 20 Minutes

Cook Time : 20-25 minutes

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside. (Optional: You may line the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper for easy removal.)

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar. Beat until combined and fluffy.

Next, add the eggs, lime juice, zest and extract (optional). Mix well and set aside.

In another bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients: the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add this flour mixture into the wet mixture and mix until well combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting and Coconut:

Spread the coconut out on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 325 degrees for 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread the coconut around. Return to oven and continue baking for 3-5 minutes at a time, mixing in between each time. Remove from oven once the coconut is no longer wet and has reached a golden brown color.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese and butter. Mix until both ingredients are well incorporated with one another and smooth and creamy.

Mix in the powdered sugar, lime juice and zest until frosting consistency has formed.

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, top with the toasted coconut and the last of the lime zest. Slice and enjoy!