Zesty Lemon White Chocolate Bars

If you're craving a treat that's a perfect balance of citrusy tang and creamy sweetness, these Zesty Lemon & Coconut White Chocolate Bars will hit the spot.

The crumbly cookie crust is a delightful foundation, while the lemony cream cheese and white chocolate topping offer a smooth, decadent finish.

These bars are simple to make, but the flavor is anything but basic—perfect for a casual snack or a more indulgent dessert.

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• 7 ounces graham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
• 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/3 cups lemon curd
• 12 ounces softened cream cheese
• 4 ounces white chocolate, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal later.
2. In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies, toasted coconut, and melted butter until the mixture forms a moist, sandy texture.
3. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the lined pan to form the crust. Bake for about 7-9 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
4. Take the pan out of the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
5. Set aside 4 tablespoons of lemon curd for swirling later.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining lemon curd, softened cream cheese, and melted white chocolate until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread this lemon-cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved lemon curd over the top, and use a knife to swirl the curd into the filling, creating a marbled pattern.
9. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the bars to set.
10. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy!

Substitutions:

• Graham crackers or digestives: Swap with any mild-flavored cookies like shortbread.
• Toasted coconut: Feel free to use almond flour or omit for a nut-free option.
• White chocolate: You can use dark or milk chocolate for a different twist.

Storage:

Keep these lemon bars stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

https://12tomatoes.com/lemon-and-white-chocolate-squares/