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Healthy and Delicious Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares

Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares

In the end, there’s just something so comforting about baking a classic treat that brings back sweet memories. These Old Fashioned Pink Lady Squares aren’t just pretty to look at—they’re a perfect balance of nostalgia and flavor that everyone will love. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 549
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed Nilla wafers
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
  • 1 300 ml can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups shredded coconut unsweetened
  • ½ cup pecans finely chopped
For the Lemon Icing:
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice use fresh, not bottled
  • 1 ½ cups icing sugar powdered sugar
  • A few drops of pink food coloring optional

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Crust:
  2. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and flour. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture starts to form.
  3. Press the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch pan, forming an even base.
  4. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
  5. Prepare the Topping:
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
  7. Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  8. Bake the Bars:
  9. Increase the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake the bars for 20-25 minutes or until the coconut topping turns golden brown.
  10. Make the Lemon Icing:
  11. In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, heavy cream, and fresh lemon juice.
  12. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the desired pale pink shade.
  13. Finish the Bars:
  14. Once the bars have cooled, spread the lemon icing over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
  15. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Alternatively, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
  • Customization: Swap the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. You can also add a bit of lemon zest to the icing for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

Nutritional Facts (per square):

  • Calories: 549 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Protein: 4.4g
  • Fat: 41.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 27.1g
  • Cholesterol: 10.5mg
  • Sodium: 293.9mg
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugar: 33g
  • Calcium: 103.2mg
  • Iron: 1mg
  • Vitamin C: 1.3mg
  • Thiamin: 0.2mg