Coconut Lime Bars with Hazelnut Shortbread Crust

Ingredients

  • For the crust
  • 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 13 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • For the filling
  • 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
  • 3/4 cup packed sweetened flaked coconut

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare the crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a food processor, add nuts and sugar - process until nuts are finely ground. Add flour and salt - pulse to combine. Add cubes of butter and process until combined. Scoop out dough into a 9" x 13" baking pan coated with cooking spray - press dough evenly over the bottom to create a level crust. Place into the oven and bake until golden, about 26 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack - set aside to cool completely.

To prepare the filling

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until well combined. Whisk in lime juice. Add flour and lime zest, whisking to incorporate. Pour filling over the crust - place into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove and sprinkle coconut evenly over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking until the filling is set, about 7 to 10 more minutes.

Remove pan from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely. Place into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before cutting.

Makes about 24 squares.