Introduction

Holiday Lemon Dream Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery crust, rich coconut and nut filling, and a zesty lemon glaze. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a wonderful treat for festive occasions or anytime you crave a refreshing dessert.

Nine square bars are laid out on white parchment paper over a wooden board with a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: a light golden-brown base and a thick nutty topping with a shiny glaze that makes the texture look crunchy and gooey at the same time. One bar in the center has a bite taken out of it, showing the dense nut filling inside. The background shows blurred festive decorations with reds, greens, and a black and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 tbsp sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp grated lemon rind
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the butter into the flour and sugar using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture is fine and crumbly.
Step 2: Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
Step 3: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 5: Spread this filling evenly over the baked crust.
Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set.
Step 7: While the bars are baking, mix the grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a small bowl to create the lemon glaze.
Step 8: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Spread the lemon glaze evenly on top, then allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use macadamia nuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
For extra tang, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling mixture.
Toast the coconut lightly before mixing for enhanced flavor and texture.
Substitute lime juice and zest for a twist on the classic lemon glaze.

Storage

Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For best flavor, bring to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.

How to Serve

Nine square dessert bars with a light brown color topped with a white glaze and small bits of nuts are placed on white parchment paper over a wooden cutting board with a handle. One bar has a visible bite taken from its corner, showing a textured inside with nuts. The cutting board is on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partially visible in the top part of the image. Pinecones, red berries, and green pine branches decorate the background, adding a festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind the taste and consistency may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the crust from burning?

Keep an eye on the crust during baking and remove it as soon as it turns golden brown. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperature.

Holiday Lemon Dream Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

Brighten your holiday dessert table with these delightful Holiday Lemon Dream Bars, featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich coconut and nut filling, all finished with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfectly balanced with sweet and zesty flavors, these bars are a festive treat for any occasion.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1/3 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 tbsp sugar

Filling

2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze

2 tsp grated lemon rind
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Cut the butter into the flour and sugar using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Press crust into pan: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 8 x 8 inch baking pan to form an even layer.
Bake crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Mix filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
Spread filling: Evenly spread the filling mixture over the baked crust.
Bake bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set.
Prepare glaze: While the bars are baking, mix the grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
Frost bars: Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before frosting with the lemon glaze.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely so the glaze sets before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

For best texture, ensure the butter is cold when cutting into the dry ingredients for the crust.
You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts to vary flavor.
Use fresh lemons for the best citrus flavor in the glaze.
Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Holiday lemon bars, lemon dessert, coconut bars, nut bars, festive treats, lemon glaze, holiday baking