I share a lemon tree with one of my neighbours. Technically, it’s their tree but some branches overhang into our side and so I get all the lemons on my side of the fence. Once in while I give back, and today it’s by way of this quick and easy Lemon & Coconut Condensed Milk Slice. In typical fashion, this exchange happens over the fence along with some light gossip, mostly good news-her son in law finally got a job (after being laid off last year) and our gay couple neighbour across the street, is having a baby via a surrogate. And in typical neighbourhood gesture, my plate will be returned with a little something! And that’s how you build friendly relations.

Anyway, back to my luscious Lemon & Coconut Slice. This came about after those COVID lockdowns. Yes, I was one of those who panicked and wanted to hoard groceries, but I came too late to the party and one of the few things I got was a vanilla cake mix. As we all know, only the toilet paper were affected, and I never got to make that cake during the pandemic. To cut a long story short, I was left with a soon to be expired cake mix, and after a few google searches, this is what I came up with. Easy and quick and oh so delicious best of all I get to use some of those “super invasive” lemons from my neighbours tree. Enjoy with a cup of tea !

What you need to make Coconut and Lemon Slice..

For a super short cut, you need a packet of Vanilla Cake Mix, like Green’s ($2.50) or Betty Crocker($7.00). Coles even have a gluten free version which I’ve used and is a great substitute if you can’t have gluten. The packet will say 550g but that probably includes the Icing Mix, which you can use to drizzle over the top of the slice.
No Box Cake Mix? Substitute by sifting together 1 1/2 cups Plain Flour, 1 3/4 teaspoons Baking Powder, 2 tablespoons Cornstarch, 1 cup Caster Sugar. Use as per the recipe and then add 2 teaspoons Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extract when you add the melted butter.
Pantry Items – Butter,Dessicated Coconut (shredded or fine) and Lemons. You also need a can of Condensed Milk for the topping. If you’re feeling a bit fancier, Coconut flakes added towards the end of baking time provides a nice crunch !

Easy does it…

Lemon and Coconut Slice — Make the base, make the topping and bake! Easy as.

Make the base by mixing the cake mix, lemon zest, desiccated coconut and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into a baking pan lined with baking paper. Don’t worry too much if you think it’s too thin, as it will puff up a bit. Bake until set and pale golden about 15 minutes.
Make the topping by mixing together condensed milk and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the base and bake for 7 minutes. Sprinkle with coconut flakes if using, and then bake for another 7 minutes or until the topping is golden. It will set when it cools.
Slice end enjoy. How easy was that!

And while you’re here please say hello via the comments section below. I would like to hear from you. And here’s hoping your neighbours are as good as mine.