There’s a delightful kind of magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Picture this: a chewy, buttery base layered with a luscious spread of raspberry jam, all topped off with a delicate, coconut meringue that turns golden in the oven. That’s the essence of my Coconut Jam Slice—a treat that impresses with its vibrant flavors while being surprisingly easy to make!
I found myself craving a sweet pick-me-up on a lazy afternoon, and this recipe turned out to be the perfect answer. Its bright, fruity character is a refreshing departure from the typical dessert, and there’s something charming about the way it brings a slice of homemade comfort into every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply enjoying it with a cup of tea, this Coconut Jam Slice is sure to become a new favorite. So, let’s dive in and whip up this delightful treat together!
Why is Coconut Jam Slice a Must-Make?
Irresistible Layers: This slice features a chewy, buttery base topped with smooth raspberry jam and a light coconut meringue, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Effortlessly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, anyone—from newbies to seasoned chefs—can whip this up in no time.
Versatile Delight: Perfectly suited for parties, potlucks, or as a midday treat, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Quick Baking: You’ll have this stunning dessert ready in under 30 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy life and less time in the kitchen.
Homemade Comfort: Bring a touch of nostalgia to your table with this comforting slice that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
For more delicious ideas, be sure to check out our other easy treats that will sweeten your day!
Coconut Jam Slice Ingredients
For the Base
- Icing sugar – a finer sugar that adds sweetness without grit, perfect for a smooth texture.
- Plain flour – this provides the structure; all-purpose flour works well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Desiccated coconut – gives a lovely chewiness and a hint of tropical flavor in the base.
- Unsalted butter – melted for richness; using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
For the Filling
- Raspberry jam – choose a good quality jam for that burst of fruity flavor; it’s the heart of your Coconut Jam Slice.
- Large egg – binds everything together, providing moisture and fluffiness to the topping.
- Caster sugar – a fine sugar that dissolves quickly, perfect for a smooth meringue layer.
- Vanilla extract – adds warmth and enhances the sweet flavors; pure extract is preferable for the best taste.
For the Topping
- Shredded coconut – this adds a delightful texture and enhances the coconut flavor in your slice.
Enjoy the process of baking this Coconut Jam Slice, where each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
How to Make Coconut Jam Slice
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square pan with baking or parchment paper, making sure two sides overhang for easy removal later.
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Combine in a large mixing bowl, adding icing sugar, plain flour, and desiccated coconut. Whisk everything together until well mixed, then add melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles moist, wet sand.
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Press the mixture into your prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, watching for a slight golden hue on the edges. Once done, remove it and let it cool slightly.
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Spread the raspberry jam over the warm base, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, caster sugar, and vanilla extract for about 30 seconds until well combined. Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
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Top your jam layer with the coconut meringue mixture, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven for another 10-14 minutes, until the topping is beautifully golden brown.
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Cool in the pan until completely set. Once cooled, cut into small slices and serve fresh for an irresistible treat!
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of icing sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Coconut Jam Slice?
Indulging in a piece of this delightful treat opens the door to a world of complementary flavors and textures that can elevate your experience.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the slice.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness while balancing the fruity notes of the raspberry jam perfectly.
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Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Creamy and dairy-free, a scoop of coconut milk ice cream accentuates the coconut theme for a blissful combination.
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Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or herbal, cleanses the palate and highlights the fruity flavors of the jam.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate over your slice creates a sophisticated touch and enhances the dessert’s depth of flavor.
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Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a small bowl of nutty granola for an appealing crunch and earthy flavor that complements the Coconut Jam Slice beautifully.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing your slice with a strong coffee or espresso boosts the flavors and adds a delightful caffeine kick to your afternoon treat.
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Coconut Water: Hydrating and refreshing, it offers a subtle coconut flavor that aligns wonderfully with the slice’s tropical notes.
Enjoy these delightful combinations for a truly memorable dessert experience!
Expert Tips for Coconut Jam Slice
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Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality raspberry jam; it greatly enhances the flavor, making your Coconut Jam Slice truly delightful.
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your melted butter isn’t too hot when mixing; it should be warm to prevent cooking the egg in the filling.
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Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the base; just stir until combined to maintain the perfect chewy texture.
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Cooling Time: Let your Coconut Jam Slice cool completely before slicing; this helps the layers set and avoids a messy cut.
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Even Layering: Spread the jam and topping evenly; this ensures that every slice has a balanced flavor and texture!
Coconut Jam Slice Variations
Customize your Coconut Jam Slice to fit your personal taste and dietary needs!
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Fruit Jam Swap: Use apricot or strawberry jam for a different fruity twist that brings unique flavors into the mix.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the base for added crunch and richness.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
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Flavored Coconut: Use sweetened shredded coconut or toss in a bit of coconut extract to intensify that tropical taste.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled slices for a luxurious, sweet topping.
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Spiced Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for a warm hint of spice that dances neatly with the coconut.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the coconut meringue for a zesty brightness that brightens every bite.
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Heated Delight: Sprinkle in some chopped chili or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist that elevates the dessert to a whole new level.
Make Ahead Options
These Coconut Jam Slice are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can easily prepare the base and layer of raspberry jam up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the base as directed, allow it to cool completely, then spread the jam over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to finish, whip up the coconut meringue mixture, spread it on top, and bake for an additional 10-14 minutes until golden. This method ensures your slices stay just as delicious and fresh, giving you a delightful treat with minimal effort on the day of serving.
How to Store and Freeze Coconut Jam Slice
Room Temperature: Store your Coconut Jam Slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
Fridge: For longer storage, place it in the fridge where it will stay good for up to a week; just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze the Coconut Jam Slice for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag; thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes.
Coconut Jam Slice Recipe FAQs
What type of raspberry jam should I use for the Coconut Jam Slice?
Absolutely! Opt for a high-quality raspberry jam with real fruit content. It not only enhances the flavor but also gives your slice a vibrant, fruity essence that elevates the entire dessert. When in doubt, a homemade jam or an artisanal brand is always a fantastic choice!
How should I store my Coconut Jam Slice?
You can keep your Coconut Jam Slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, move it to the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about a week. Just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from drying out!
Can I freeze Coconut Jam Slice, and how do I do it?
Yes! Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Wrap your Coconut Jam Slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and for a freshly baked taste, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What’s the best way to achieve an even bake for the topping?
To ensure that the coconut meringue topping bakes evenly, spread it delicately over the jam layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. This way, you avoid any lumps, and each slice will include the perfect balance of textures. Keep a close eye on it while baking; look for that beautiful golden brown color, which indicates it’s ready!
Can I make Coconut Jam Slice nut-free or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a nut-free version, ensure all your ingredients (including jam and coconut) are free from any cross-contamination. If you’d like to make it gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This recipe adapts wonderfully to fit dietary preferences while maintaining its deliciousness.
Heavenly Coconut Jam Slice You Can’t Resist Making Now
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square pan.
- Combine icing sugar, plain flour, and desiccated coconut in a large bowl. Whisk together and then add melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles moist, wet sand.
- Press the mixture into your prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Spread raspberry jam over the warm base evenly. Whisk together the egg, caster sugar, and vanilla extract for about 30 seconds. Fold in shredded coconut.
- Spread the coconut meringue mixture over the jam layer evenly. Return to the oven for 10-14 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool in the pan until completely set, then cut into slices and serve. Optionally dust with icing sugar before serving.
