Coconut Key Lime Bars   From The Cookie Party Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Cookie Exchange St. Martin's Press/Macmillan by Robin Olson (www.cookie-exchange.com) Mimi Cummins, These cookie bars are my own invention . . . they’re a cross between your basic magic bar and my favorite lemon bars. I found out that animal crackers make crispier crusts than graham crackers—love them!

Plain Text Printable Version

Crust
Nonstick cooking spray
2½ cups animal crackers
½ cup (1 stick) butter

Coconut Layer
1¼ cups sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup white chocolate chips
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Key Lime Layer
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar

Meanwhile, prepare the lemon layer. In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and key lime juice. Pour the key lime mixture on top of the coconut layer. Return the pan to the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the key lime mixture is set and does not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken. Cool completely before cutting into 2-inch bars with a sharp knife. Just before serving, sift confectioners’ sugar over the bars.  
Makes 2 dozen bars