Coconut jam squares

Coconut Jam Squares one of the Best Melt in Your Mouth Shortbread Squares, three perfect layers make this a Bar Cookie that will be the first to be eaten.   

I know it isn’t friday, and you are probably thinking “doesn’t she usually do desserts on Friday?  Today, it’s Sunday”, I know this is unusual, but there is a reason for this unscheduled update.

As I’m writing this blog post, I am packing my suitcase and adding some last-minute items to it,  because tomorrow I am flying back to Toronto, Canada.

My eldest daughter is graduating from college and I will be there cheering for her in the crowd at the graduation ceremony!

So, in honour of my return to Canada and finally getting to give my daughter a huge hug and kiss (and all the rest of my fantastic family and friends) I have decided to share these  squares which were probably one of the first Desserts my Mother ever made, after of course those fabulous Hello Dollies, or what do they call them now?  seven layer bars?

But I love these coconut jam squares more.  These are fabulous, and that is coming from someone who isn’t even crazy about coconut.

These coconut jam squares offer everything.   A Shortbread base, a sweet center, and that fabulous meringue/coconut topping, to die for.

What can I say, I love food,  I believe I am a very lucky person, because I married an Italian.  I consider myself a lover of all cuisines, but I must say, personally I think Italian is one of the best.

Coconut Jam Squares

But at the same time I like to mix-and-match and I think every good dish of pasta deserves an amazing dessert, even if it is a cookie or a square.

I can remember when my mother used to make these squares and then freeze them, because you never knew when they would be needed.

I didn’t care, I would slip down to the freezer and I wouldn’t think twice about taking out a few, even if they were frozen!  Now I don’t even have to eat  them frozen or wait till they  thaw. I make them myself whenever I feel like it. Perks of being a baker!

I think sometimes the best foods are the ones that remind us of wonderful experiences we lived or have the ability to produce  amazing new memories that we will hold on to forever.

For me these coconut jam squares embed the essence of both, past and future memories.  So give them a try and Enjoy!

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5 from 2 votes

Coconut jam squares

Coconut jam squares, delicious Christmas shortbread crust, jam filling and a coconut, brown sugar meringue baked topping. Melt in your mouth yumminess! 

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Servings 30 pieces

Calories 94kcal

Author Rosemary Molloy / An Italian in my Kitchen

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter* 185 grams
• 1/4 cup sugar 50 grams
• 1 1/2 cups flour 192 grams
• 1 pinch salt
• 2-3 tablespoons jam , strawberry or a berry jam is probably best 50-70 grams
• Topping
• 2 egg whites
• 3/4 cup brown sugar 165 grams
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 grams
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/2 grams
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut 40 grams

*I use salted butter, if you use unsalted then add 1/4 teaspoon of salt instead of a pinch.

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 325° (170°)
• Topping: in a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, add sugar, salt and vanilla, mix well with a wooden spoon, fold in the coconut, set aside.
• Sift together flour and salt.
• In a medium bowl cream butter, add sugar and blend well at medium speed, gradually add flour,salt mixture, when well mixed, spread and pack lightly in a 8" (20 centimeter) cake pan. Spread thinly with jam. Cover with topping and bake in a slow oven for approximately 35 minutes. Cut into fingers when cool. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal

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