Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares are a nostalgic treat combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich coconut filling and a sweet cherry-flavored icing. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delightful homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (can substitute any crushed cookie)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (or margarine)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 1 can (300mL) condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8″ square baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, flour, and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix shredded coconut with condensed milk until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm crust, then bake for 30 minutes, until the edges are browned.
4. Step 4: While the bars bake, beat 1/4 cup room temperature butter or margarine in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in icing sugar and maraschino cherry juice until smooth and combined.
5. Step 5: Once bars have cooled, spread the cherry icing evenly over the top. Refrigerate until the icing is firm. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting the maraschino cherry juice with raspberry or strawberry syrup.
• Use sweetened shredded coconut for a richer taste, or unsweetened for a lighter dessert.
• To make cutting easier, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing.

Storage

Store Pink Lady Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving. Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature slightly for easier cutting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can substitute crushed cookies such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for the graham cracker crumbs. Just ensure they are finely crushed for an even crust.

Is it possible to make these squares dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use margarine or a vegan butter substitute and check that the condensed milk is plant-based or use a homemade coconut condensed milk alternative.

Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares Recipe

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These Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares are a nostalgic dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a rich coconut and condensed milk layer, finished with a luscious cherry-flavored icing. This treat blends sweet, tropical flavors with a classic pink frosting, making it perfect for a retro dessert table or any festive occasion.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or any crushed cookie)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (or margarine)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 1 can (300mL) condensed milk

Icing

• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (see note)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling layers.
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal and clean cutting of the squares; set aside.
3. Make Crust: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, flour, and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. Add Coconut Filling: In a separate bowl, mix shredded coconut with condensed milk until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the filling is set.
5. Prepare Icing: While the bars bake, beat the softened butter or margarine in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add icing sugar and maraschino cherry juice, continuing to beat until the icing is smooth and well blended.
6. Frost and Chill: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cherry icing evenly over the top. Refrigerate the squares until the icing hardens, about 1 hour.
7. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

• You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with any crushed cookie you prefer.
• Butter can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
• The maraschino cherry juice adds both flavor and color to the icing; if unavailable, a small amount of cherry extract or a few drops of red food coloring can be used.
• Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cleaner slicing.
• Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent icing from melting.

Keywords: Pink Lady Squares, Coconut Bars, Vintage Dessert, Cherry Icing, Graham Cracker Crust, Old Fashioned Sweets