_Sips my ice-cold sweet tea while typing this_
Y’all, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Florida afternoon treat that’ll make your taste buds dance like they’re at a Miami beach party! I’m sharing my Sunshine State Citrus-Coconut Bars recipe that’s been getting rave reviews from everyone who’s tried it – including my super picky mother-in-law (and that’s saying something! 😉).
These heavenly bars combine the tangy zip of fresh Florida oranges and Key limes with the tropical dreaminess of coconut, all sitting on top of a buttery shortbread crust that’ll make you weak in the knees. Trust me, honey, this is the kind of dessert that’ll have your neighbors “dropping by” more often!
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup cold butter, cubed
– Pinch of salt
For the filling:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh Florida orange juice
– 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
(Quick pause! If you’re loving this recipe already, make sure to follow me on NewsBreak for more mouth-watering Florida-inspired treats! Now, back to the good stuff…)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (like a typical Florida afternoon, am I right? 😅)
1. For the crust, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in that cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse sand. Press this into a 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 20 minutes until light golden.
1. While that’s baking, whisk together your eggs and sugar until they’re as smooth as a Caribbean breeze. Add in both citrus juices, coconut, zest, and flour.
1. Pour this gorgeous mixture over your warm crust and pop it back in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle (kind of like me after too many mojitos! 🍹).
1. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares. For an extra touch of fancy, dust with powdered sugar – it’ll look like a light Florida frost (which we rarely see anyway!).
Y’all, these bars are perfect for everything from beach picnics to fancy dinner parties. The citrus-coconut combo is so refreshing, it’s like a vacation in every bite!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below and tell me how these turned out for you! Did your family fight over the last piece like mine does? 😂 And if you’re craving more delicious Florida-inspired recipes, make sure you’re following me on NewsBreak – I’m always sharing new recipes that’ll make your kitchen the most popular spot in town!
Stay sweet and keep cooking, darlings! 💋
P.S. If you managed to save any bars for later (which, good luck with that!), they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. But let’s be real – they’ve never lasted that long in my house!
#FloridaCooking #HomemadeDelights #SouthernKitchen #CitrusLove
