Mom'S Lemon Coconut Bars
Golden lemon coconut bars featuring a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that appeals to coconut and citrus lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream the margarine and 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Blend in 1 cup flour, oatmeal, salt, and baking soda.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense coconut flavor, consider adding shredded coconut to the crust mixture. If you prefer a healthier alternative, substitute half the margarine with applesauce. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for better incorporation. You can also replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. If you like, add a hint of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon coconut bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a refreshing twist, serve them alongside Tropical Fruit Pops. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Lemon Coconut Bars contains roughly 503 calories, with 7g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or white granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that using different sugars may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute margarine with coconut oil or vegan butter. For a healthier choice, unsweetened applesauce can also be used, but it may change the texture.
How can I make these bars more lemony?
To enhance the lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter and increase the amount of lemon juice. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze on top after baking for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).