Holiday Lemon Squares

This recipe is courtesy of a friend. It's an often requested favorite in her family.

Coconut Lemon Squares

1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (about 3/4 cup), softened and cut into pieces
2/3 cup Confectioners sugar plus 1 additional tablespoon to be used later
2 cups all purpose flour plus 1/4 additional cup of flour to be used later
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
6 large eggs
1 & 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 9 inch metal baking pan with aluminum foil with the foil hanging over the ends. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the foil and set aside.

Place butter, 2 cups of flour, and 2/3 cup of confectioners sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is moist but crumbly. The dough should hold together when you press it between your thumb and finger. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the foil lined pan. Using your fingers, press the dough onto the bottom of the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

While the pan is baking in the oven, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Whisk again until well mixed.

When the crust is finished baking, whisk the filling mixture once more just to ensure everything is well mixed especially if you had to wait for the crust to finish baking. Pour the egg mixture over the hot crust. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake 18 to 24 minutes or until filling is just set and golden in color. The filling will still be slightly jiggly in the center. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool. Sift the remaining 1 tablespoon of confectioners sugar over the top of the lemon filing. Cool completely in the pan on the wire rack.

When completely cool, lift the foil out of the pan and set it on a flat surface for cutting. Cut the bars into 4 strips, then cut each of the strips into 4 pieces.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Please note that they only keep for a few days even in the refrigerator.

Makes 16 squares.