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)
Directions
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish generously with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
3. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until it’s just turning golden. You want a firm base, not overdone.
4. While that’s baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well blended. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the coconut.
5. Pour this mixture over the baked crust—no need to let the crust cool—and return the pan to the oven.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
7. Once done, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack, then dust with additional powdered sugar if you’re feeling a little fancy.
8. Cut them into squares (I like to make a little prayer before cutting into any baked good, just seems right) and serve them up to your heart’s content.