Coconut Lime Bars

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 and 3/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/4 cups shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• 3 limes, zested

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Butter a quarter sized sheet pan or a pan that is approximately 9 x 13 inches (you can also use a half sheet pan, just double all the ingredients) Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the pan and place it in the pan, leaving a 2 inch overhang on 2 sides. It helps to fold in the corners like in the photo below.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave or in a small pan and transfer to the bowl of a standing mixer. Add the brown sugar, 1/3 cup of the white sugar and 1 egg. Blend using the paddle attachment on low speed for 1 minute. Add zest of 1 lime and 1 cup of the flour. Mix another 20 seconds or so to combine until thick enough to spread. Use a spatula to transfer dough to the prepared sheet pan. Spread as evenly as possible and bake until the crust is lightly golden 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven (leaving it on) and let cool slightly.
3. While crust bakes, wipe the mixer bowl clean and add: 2/3 cup sugar, 2 eggs, zest of 2 limes and 2 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix on low for a minute. Add 3/4 cup flour and mix just to combine. Remove bowl from the mixer, add 2 cups shredded sweet coconut and mix with a spoon or spatula.
4. Spread the coconut mixture over the crust as evenly as possible. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup shredded coconut over the top. Bake until coconut flakes are lightly brown, about 25 minutes. Watch closely towards the end so the coconut does not burn. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. I know it's tempting...but the bars will taste and cut better if they are completely cool!
5. Using the parchment overhang, lift the cake from the pan and cut into squares or desired size. You can anywhere from 16 to 24 bars.rnAnd now...I dare you to only have one.

butter, eggs, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, coconut flakes

Taken from food52.com/recipes/41181-coconut-lime-bars (may not work)