Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt, divided
  • 3 cups (260g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Stir together melted butter, flour, sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt until a soft dough forms.
  3. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon.
  4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just barely beginning to turn pale gold.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until glossy.
  6. Spread the coconut filling evenly over the warm crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are mahogany-colored brown but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  9. Transfer the pan to the fridge and chill for 2 hours before slicing into 16 bars.