Tangy lemon squares with fresh berries and coconut crumble topping

These Lemon, Berry and Coconut Crumble Squares are a delicious fusion of tart citrus, sweet berries and a crunchy coconut topping. The base is a rich, buttery lemon cake with a bright, refreshing flavour from both the lemon zest and juice. replaces the word nice with emptypped with juicy berries and a sweet, crumbly blend 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 are sure to bring a burst of summer flavour 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 chewy, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet, juicy berries. The coconut crumble topping adds a delicious crunch, making each bite a delicious blend of sweetness, tartness, and crunch. These squares are easy to make and versatile, perfect for any occasion where you want a light yet indulgent treat.

Perfect opportunity:These lemon, berry and coconut crumble squares are perfect for casual gatherings, picnics or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. They are also perfect for a snack or as a treat to enjoy with a hot drink. Their bright, summery flavours make them a wonderful treat during the warmer months, but they are just as enjoyable all year round. The squares also make a lovely homemade gift, wrapped in baking paper and tied with a ribbon.

Decorating Tips:For a simple yet elegant presentation, lightly dust the cooled squares with icing sugar before serving. You can also garnish with a few extra fresh berries and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for extra colour and flavour. If you want to make the squares extra special, drizzle a little white chocolate on top before cutting into pieces.

Ingredients:

For the cake base:

• 180 g butter
• 180 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of one lemon
• 100 ml of milk
• 260g self-raising flour (or 260g all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + a pinch of salt)

For the garnish:

• Fresh or frozen mixed berries
• 100 g butter
• 100 g grated coconut
• 100 g sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour

1. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps 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 combined, stir in the lemon zest, which adds a fresh, lemony flavor to the batter.
2. Mix wet and dry ingredients:Gradually add the lemon juice and milk to the dough, alternating with the flour. Start by adding some of the flour mixture, then some of the lemon juice and milk, and continue until all the ingredients are combined. This ensures that the dough is smooth and well-mixed without overmixing.
3. Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C. Butter and flour a 25 x 25 cm baking tin or line it with baking paper to make it easier to remove. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
4. Add the filling:Spread fresh or frozen berries evenly over the top of the batter. replaces the word nice with empty make the crumble, combine the butter, shredded coconut, sugar and flour in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly, sandy texture. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the berries, making sure the entire surface is covered.
5. Cook 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 in the center comes out clean. The crumble should be crisp and the berries should be bubbling slightly around the edges.
6. Cool and cut: Let the cake 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 the desired size. These squares can be served warm or at room temperature.

Appreciate: Enjoy the bright, summery flavors of these Lemon, Berry & Coconut Crumble Squares, a delicious combination of tangy lemon, sweet berries and crunchy coconut crumble, perfect for any occasion!