Indulge in a burst of sunshine with our Lemon Coconut Cream Squares recipe. These delightful squares combine the zesty freshness of lemon with the tropical sweetness of coconut for a flavor sensation that will transport your taste buds to paradise. With a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet coconut topping, these squares are the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll be enjoying these irresistible squares in no time. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these heavenly Lemon Coconut Cream Squares!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your preference)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: In another mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Coconut: Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the lemon filling mixture.
- Pour Over Crust: Pour the lemon coconut filling over the baked crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Lemon Coconut Cream Squares to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the filling mixture.
- Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, you can add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the crust or sprinkle them on top of the squares before baking.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice? A: While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use lemon extract as a substitute if needed. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make these squares ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Lemon Coconut Cream Squares ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may soften slightly over time but will still be delicious.
Q: Can I freeze these squares? A: Yes, you can freeze the squares in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the crust to reduce the carb content. Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Additionally, use unsweetened shredded coconut to further reduce the carb count.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a low-carb version of these squares, you can follow the keto substitutions mentioned above. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sweetener used in the filling or omit it altogether for a less sweet dessert.
In conclusion, our Lemon Coconut Cream Squares are a delightful combination of citrusy freshness and tropical sweetness that’s sure to brighten your day. With a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet coconut topping, these squares are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, these Lemon Coconut Cream Squares are guaranteed to satisfy. So, why wait? Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a taste of paradise!
