These Lemon, Berry, and Coconut Crumble Squares are a delightful fusion of zesty citrus, sweet berries, and a crunchy coconut crumble topping. The base is a rich, buttery lemon cake with a bright, refreshing flavor from both lemon zest and juice. Topped with juicy berries and a sweet, crumbly mixture of butter, coconut, and sugar, these squares are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack, they’re sure to bring a burst of summer flavor to your table.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love these squares for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The lemon-infused base is soft and moist, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet, juicy berries. The coconut crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a delicious mix of smooth, tart, and crispy. These squares are easy to make and versatile, perfect for any occasion where you want a light yet indulgent treat.
Perfect Occasion: These Lemon, Berry, and Coconut Crumble Squares are perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. They’re also ideal for a tea party or as a snack to enjoy with a hot beverage. Their bright, summery flavors make them a wonderful treat during the warmer months, but they’re equally enjoyable year-round. The squares also make a lovely homemade gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cooled squares with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish with a few extra fresh berries and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for added color and flavor. If you want to make the squares extra special, drizzle a bit of white chocolate over the top before cutting them into pieces.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 180 g butter
- 180 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 ml milk
- 260 g self-raising flour (or 260 g all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + a pinch of salt)
For the Topping:
- Fresh or frozen mixed berries
- 100 g butter
- 100 g shredded coconut
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air, making the cake base light and tender. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Once all the eggs are mixed in, stir in the lemon zest, which adds a fresh, citrusy aroma to the batter.
- Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the lemon juice and milk to the batter, alternating with the flour. Begin by adding a portion of the flour mixture, then a portion of the lemon juice and milk, and continue until all ingredients are combined. This ensures that the batter is smooth and well-blended without overmixing.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and flour a 25 x 25 cm baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the fresh or frozen berries evenly over the top of the batter. To make the crumble, combine the butter, shredded coconut, sugar, and flour in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly, sandy texture. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the berries, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Bake the Squares: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumble should be crisp, and the berries should be bubbling slightly around the edges.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares of your desired size. These squares can be served warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy: Savor the bright, summery flavors of these Lemon, Berry, and Coconut Crumble Squares—a delightful combination of tart lemon, sweet berries, and crunchy coconut crumble that’s perfect for any occasion!