Graham Coconut Squares or Snack Cake

Here's a quick and easy square or snack cake for the festive platter. I made two batches this morning because I'm freezing them for Christmas.  If you use the packaged graham wafer crumbs they don't take much more than the time it takes to melt the butter and beat the egg. 


No need to take out the mixer for theses little gems.  I mix them up using a wire whisk or large spoon. The first time I made them I used the 9-inch square pan and they were high and lofty like cake so if you'd like a more cookie type square use the larger pan.

Don is rather partial to these squares and would regularly take them from the freezer the Christmas I made them.  This is a rare occurrence as he seldom pokes through the freezer for anything.  I'm taking a few of these to a baby shower next week but I'd better leave a few behind for you know who.  

I've adapted these from the cookbook "150 Delicious Squares" by Jean Paré of the Company's Coming fame.  If you don't have this book I highly recommend it for anyone who likes to bake.

Graham Coconut Squares or Snack Cake
2 cups graham wafer crumbs

1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup melted butter
1 cup fine shred unsweetened coconut
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon salt

In a large bowl mix all together and put in a greased 9x9-inch pan for a cake or in a 9-13-inch pan for squares or bars.  Bake at 350 degrees until golden, about 30 minutes for 9x9-inch cake, 25 minutes for 9x13-inch squares. 

Frost with your favourite chocolate frosting.  Here's what I use.  Double this amount for the squares unless you want a thin cover.

Chocolate Icing
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup icing sugar
1 or 2 tablespoons milk or water
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 square unsweetened chocolate, melted

Cream butter and sugar together adding milk or water to make a smooth mixture.  Add vanilla.  Mix in the melted chocolate.  If the icing is too thick add a few drops of milk.  If the icing is too thin add a little more icing sugar.   

See how easily everything comes together.

Place frosted pan of squares in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until the icing sets up.  This makes cutting the squares much easier.

When cutting the squares have a wet tea towel handy.  After every cut, clean the knife.  This ensures good clean cuts without too many crumbs.

 The squares can be now stored in the freezer for Christmas.

Before you freeze the squares make sure you take out a few to enjoy.