Lemon Condensed Milk Slice with Coconut Base

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Condensed Milk Slice with Coconut Base

Hey there, baking buddies! Are you ready for a slice of sunshine? This Lemon Condensed Milk Slice with Coconut Base is the ultimate treat – a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and wonderfully textured goodness. Imagine this: a melt-in-your-mouth coconut base, providing a delightful chewiness, topped with a luscious, creamy lemon filling that’s intensely flavorful. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you sigh with happiness, transporting you to a sun-drenched beach with every bite.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Forget complicated techniques and long baking times; this recipe is quick, straightforward, and incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll nail this one. The combination of the sweet coconut base and the zesty lemon topping creates a beautiful balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. The texture is a dream – the crumbly base contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy lemon layer. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or simply indulging in a little self-care.

This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and pure indulgence. You’ll love the vibrant, sunny flavor, the delightful textures, and the ease of preparation. So, ditch the complicated recipes and dive into this simple yet sensational slice of heaven. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

What You’ll Need

This recipe utilizes simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s get started:

• Desiccated Coconut: This provides the delightful chewiness and coconut flavor to the base. Look for good quality desiccated coconut for the best results.
• Self-Raising Flour: This is a key ingredient in the base, providing structure and helping it to bind together beautifully. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute plain flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly here, sweetening both the base and complementing the tangy lemon topping. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
• Melted Butter: Unsalted butter is best, allowing you to control the salt level. Make sure it’s completely melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the base.
• Condensed Milk: This is the star of the lemon topping, providing incredible creaminess and sweetness. One tin (397g) is the perfect amount for this recipe.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for that bright, zesty flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as the flavor isn’t quite the same.
• Lemon Zest: The zest adds an extra layer of lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the topping. Use a fine grater to get the most zest possible without any bitter white pith.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow.

1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20x20cm baking tin. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal once it’s baked. In a large bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, self-raising flour, and sugar. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add the Butter: Gradually add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want a slightly coarse texture. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
3. Press into the Tin: Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared baking tin, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure it’s evenly distributed. A slightly uneven base adds character, don’t worry about perfection here!
4. Bake the Base: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. The edges should be slightly firm to the touch.
5. Prepare the Lemon Topping: While the base is baking, prepare the lemon topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth. Then, stir in the lemon zest. You’ll notice the mixture thicken slightly as you whisk.
6. Pour over the Base: Once the base is baked and slightly cooled (but still warm), carefully pour the lemon topping evenly over the base. Make sure it reaches all corners. A spatula helps to ensure even spreading.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the slice for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the topping to set completely. This is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture. Once set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Lemon Condensed Milk Slice turns out perfectly:

Don’t overmix the base: Overmixing can result in a tough base. Just mix until the ingredients are combined. A slightly crumbly texture is what you’re aiming for.

Press the base firmly: Make sure the base is firmly pressed into the tin to create an even layer. This will prevent a soggy bottom.

Let it chill completely: Allowing the slice to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator is essential for the topping to set properly and achieve the desired creamy texture.

Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will give you the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice whenever possible.

Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in both the base and the topping according to your preference.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations on our Lemon Condensed Milk Slice:

Lime Twist: Replace the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest for a tangier, more tropical flavor.

Berry Blast: Add fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) to the lemon topping for a burst of fruity flavor and color.

Chocolate Coconut: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the base for a decadent chocolate coconut base.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure your gluten-free blend is a 1:1 replacement for plain flour and contains baking powder.

Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for a warm, comforting twist.

Storing and Reheating

Store your Lemon Condensed Milk Slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slice is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

You can also freeze the slice for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, making the base a bit softer.

Reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture of both the base and the topping. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of coconut?

A: While desiccated coconut works best for this recipe due to its texture, you can experiment with other types. Shredded coconut might work, but it could result in a slightly wetter base. Sweetened coconut might make the base too sweet, so adjust the sugar accordingly.

Q: How long does the slice keep?

A: This slice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?

A: Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit. However, the taste will be significantly different, so adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

Q: What if my base is too dry?

A: If your base is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together to form a crumbly dough.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. In fact, chilling it for several hours or overnight allows the topping to set properly and enhances the overall flavor.

The Final Word

This Lemon Condensed Milk Slice with Coconut Base is a true baking masterpiece – simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding. The delightful combination of textures and flavors will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing a touch of sunshine and joy to your day.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your baking creations with us. Happy baking!

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