Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling layers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
