Warming Cinnamon Lemon Coconut (Printable Version)

Soft bars with cinnamon, lemon zest, and shredded coconut for a zesty, warming flavor combination.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
03 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 large lemon
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow bars to cool fully in the pan.
08 - Sift powdered sugar and cinnamon together, then dust over the cooled bars.
09 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang, slice into 12 portions, and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ridiculously easy to make—no fancy techniques, just mix and bake.
  • The cinnamon and lemon combination feels like a secret only you know about.
  • Soft enough to eat with your fingers, pretty enough to bring to someone.
02 -
  • Don't overbake—those extra three minutes turn tender bars into dry ones, and that's a tragedy.
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly, so let your eggs and butter sit for a few minutes before you start.
03 -
  • Use a microplane to get the lemon zest—it's finer and more flavorful than a regular grater.
  • If your lemon is small, don't worry about hitting exactly two tablespoons of juice; taste as you go and trust your instincts.

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