Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars

Introduction

Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a sweet and tangy treat with a touch of tropical flair. These bars feature a buttery crust, a gooey lemon-coconut filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, combining for an indulgent bite that’s full of bright, refreshing flavor. The zesty lemon adds a tart punch that perfectly balances the sweet richness of the coconut and the buttery base, creating a dessert that’s decadent but not overwhelming.

What I love about these bars is how they bring a unique twist to the traditional gooey butter cake, adding a citrusy and tropical element that feels fresh and fun. I made them for a summer potluck, and they were an instant hit. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and a few people even took some home for later! The bars are easy to slice and serve, making them great for sharing at gatherings, and the flavors only get better as they sit, allowing you to make them ahead of time and save yourself some last-minute stress.

The gooey filling, buttery crust, and a touch of coconut create layers of texture that make every bite interesting and satisfying. Plus, they look stunning when dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Whether you’re serving these bars for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just a weekend treat, they are bound to stand out and leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars will steal your heart:

• Bright and Refreshing: The lemon adds a zesty freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Decadent Texture: The gooey butter filling is incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, parties, holidays, or just because.
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert: These bars taste even better the next day, allowing you to prepare in advance.
• Layered Flavor: The combination of buttery crust, gooey lemon filling, and coconut makes for a perfect bite.
• A Twist on a Classic: Elevates the traditional gooey butter cake with the addition of lemon and coconut.
• Customizable Toppings: Add powdered sugar, coconut flakes, or even a lemon glaze for extra flair.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavors, making it a great family treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at gatherings, with their unique and delicious flavor combination.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 240 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars:

For the Crust

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Ingredient Highlights

• Yellow Cake Mix: Forms the base of the crust and provides a sweet, buttery flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the gooey filling.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings a bright, tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it grainy.
• Coconut: Adds a touch of tropical sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars:

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Press Into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

Make the Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth.
4. Fold in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling Over Crust: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

How to Serve

Serve these Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars in the following ways:

• Chilled: Refrigerate for an hour before serving for a firmer texture.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Paired with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to complement the lemon flavor.
• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange on a dessert platter with other bars and cookies for variety.
• For Afternoon Tea: These bars are a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.
• As a Party Favor: Wrap individual bars in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a cute gift.
• With a Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the bars for added citrus flavor.
• Served Warm: Reheat slightly for a gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Keep these helpful tips in mind when making Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars:

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
• Don’t Overbake: The bars should still be slightly gooey in the center when done.
• Line the Pan: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting.
• Chill for Neater Slices: Refrigerate before cutting to get clean, even slices.
• Add Extra Coconut on Top: Sprinkle some extra coconut on top before baking for added texture.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance; they actually taste better the next day.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Try Different Flavors: Experiment with lime juice and zest for a different citrus twist.
• Use a Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps achieve a smooth filling.
• Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

Try these variations to put your own spin on Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars:

• Lime Coconut Bars: Swap lemon juice and zest for lime for a different citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
• Extra Coconut Flavor: Add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the filling.
• Tropical Twist: Add some chopped pineapple or mango to the filling.
• Berry Burst: Swirl in raspberry or blueberry preserves for added fruitiness.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped macadamia nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with a layer of cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
• Lemon Curd Layer: Spread a thin layer of lemon curd between the crust and filling.
• Almond Flour Crust: Substitute part of the cake mix with almond flour for a nutty flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Properly store or freeze your Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars with these tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for the freshest flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

You may need the following equipment to make Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars:

• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: Provides the perfect size for baking the bars evenly, ensuring a good balance of gooeyness and structure.
• Parchment Paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out of the baking pan and prevents them from sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for preparing the different layers of the bars, keeping the ingredients separate until combined.
• Electric Mixer: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly and quickly, creating a light and fluffy texture for the batter.
• Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading the batter evenly in the pan, ensuring a uniform thickness for consistent baking.
• Citrus Zester: Perfect for zesting fresh lemons to add extra flavor to the bars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements for ingredients like flour, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: Useful for sifting powdered sugar over the finished bars to give them a professional look.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking, preventing them from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes, a white or lemon-flavored cake mix works well too.
2. How do I keep the bars from being too gooey?
   Bake until the edges are set, and chill the bars before slicing.
3. Can I omit the coconut?
   Yes, the bars will still be delicious without it.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix.
5. How should I store leftover bars?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
6. Can I freeze the bars?
   Yes, wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months.
7. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
8. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
   Yes, chopped nuts like macadamias or almonds can be added.
9. What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
   Chill them first, then use a sharp knife.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time.

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Conclusion

Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors in every bite. The combination of a gooey lemon filling, a buttery crust, and the tropical touch of coconut flakes creates a treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving them at a special event, sharing them at a potluck, or simply enjoying a homemade treat, these bars are versatile enough to suit any occasion.

The recipe is straightforward and can easily be customized to your liking by adding a bit of zest, extra coconut, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Their vibrant flavor and unique texture make them an excellent addition to any dessert table.

Enjoy these Lemon Coconut Gooey Butter Bars with a cup of tea or coffee, or pack them for an on-the-go treat. I can’t wait to see how your batch turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your sweet creations!