Indulge in these delightful Lemon, Red Berry, and Coconut Squares, where the tangy zestiness of lemon meets the sweet burst of red berries, all topped with a crunchy coconut crumble. This dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the refreshing citrus notes with the natural sweetness of the berries and the tropical hint of coconut. Whether you’re serving these at a party or enjoying a piece as a mid-afternoon snack, these squares are sure to brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This
These dessert squares are a feast for the senses. The base is soft and moist, enriched with lemon zest and juice for a vibrant flavor. The red berries add a juicy contrast, while the coconut crumble provides a satisfying crunch. This treat is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its colorful fruit topping and golden crumble. Easy to make and even easier to love, these squares offer a refreshing twist on traditional fruit desserts.
Perfect Occasion
Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or as a festive addition to a holiday dessert table, these squares can do it all. They’re particularly great for summer events when berries are in season, but you can easily adapt them for any time of the year with frozen berries. The squares are also ideal for bake sales or as a thoughtful homemade gift, packaged in a pretty box.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled squares. If serving at a special event, garnish each piece with a small sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the luxurious feel. The vibrant colors of the berries naturally make these squares stand out, so even a simple plating will look impressive.
Ingredients
- 180 grams of butter, softened
- 180 grams of sugar
- 3 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 ml of milk
- 260 grams of self-raising flour (or plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt)
- Fresh or frozen red berries
- For the crumble:
- 100 grams of sugar
- 60 grams of butter
- 50 grams of shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest.
- Alternately incorporate the lemon juice and milk with the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the Squares:
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 25 x 25 cm baking pan, or lined with parchment paper. Evenly distribute the red berries over the batter.
- Make the Crumble:
- Combine sugar, butter, and shredded coconut in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this mixture over the berries.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let cool in the pan, then cut into squares of your desired size.
Enjoy these Lemon, Red Berry, and Coconut Squares, an absolute treat that combines simplicity with incredible flavors and textures!
