Coconut Slice

The Coconut Slice is an Australian classic that combines the rich, buttery flavors of baked vanilla with the tropical crunch of coconut. This treat is golden and chewy, perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples.

Ideal for lunchboxes, family gatherings, or a fuss-free dessert, this Coconut Slice requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s a timeless slice that brings nostalgic comfort and a satisfying sweet finish to any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150g) self-raising flour

• 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar

• 1 cup (90g) desiccated coconut

• 125g unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, and desiccated coconut. Mix well.

3. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.

4. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until lightly golden and firm to the touch.

6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 15 squares

Discover the Irresistible Charm of the Classic Coconut Slice

When it comes to humble yet deeply satisfying baked treats, few desserts hold as much nostalgic value as the Coconut Slice. This beloved recipe has been a staple in Australian kitchens for generations, found in school lunchboxes, served with afternoon tea, or tucked lovingly into picnic baskets on warm sunny days. Simple, quick to make, and delightfully rich in coconut flavor, the coconut slice has earned its place as a treasured classic that transcends age and occasion.

While contemporary desserts often demand elaborate ingredients or multiple techniques, the charm of the coconut slice lies in its simplicity. Using pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and coconut, this dessert delivers exceptional flavor and texture without requiring special skills or equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone trying their hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Let’s take a deep dive into this timeless slice and explore its ingredients, cultural roots, variations, serving tips, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.

A Nostalgic Treat with Cultural Roots

The coconut slice is an iconic treat in Australian and New Zealand baking traditions. It’s often associated with retro cookbooks, grandmother’s handwritten recipe cards, and the smell of buttery coconut wafting through the kitchen. Like many classic recipes, the exact origin of the coconut slice is difficult to trace, but its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Australia’s love affair with tray bakes and slices is well documented from caramel slice to hedgehog slice and everything in between. These recipes emerged in the mid-20th century when home cooks prioritized affordable, filling, and easy-to-make sweets that could feed a family and store well.

The coconut slice fits this mold perfectly: economical, delicious, and incredibly versatile.

Ingredient Highlights: Simple Pantry Staples, Big Flavor

Here’s why each ingredient plays a critical role in creating the perfect coconut slice:

Desiccated Coconut

The star of the show! Desiccated coconut gives the slice its unique texture and robust coconut flavor. Unlike shredded coconut, it’s more finely grated and dries quickly, which makes it ideal for baking. It adds a gentle chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp golden crust.

Butter

Melted unsalted butter not only provides richness but also helps bind the slice together. Butter gives the slice a satisfying mouthfeel and enhances the coconut’s natural sweetness.

Caster Sugar

Also known as superfine sugar, caster sugar dissolves quickly and evenly into the batter. It sweetens the slice without overpowering the other ingredients and helps achieve that perfect golden top.

Self-Raising Flour

Self-raising flour streamlines the baking process by including a leavening agent. It gives the slice a bit of lift, preventing it from being too dense.

Egg

The egg acts as a binding agent and gives the slice a subtle lift and richness.

Vanilla Extract

Just a dash adds depth and rounds out the sweetness, giving the coconut slice a more complex and inviting flavor profile.

Optional Additions and Custom Variations

While the traditional coconut slice is delicious as-is, this versatile recipe welcomes experimentation. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

1. Add a Jam Layer

Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the base before baking for a sweet-tart contrast. This version is often referred to as a Raspberry Coconut Slice and is hugely popular.

2. Lemon Zest or Juice

Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the batter to brighten the flavor and cut through the richness.

3. Chocolate Drizzle or Chips

Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

4. Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.

5. Nutty Crunch

Add chopped almonds, macadamias, or pecans to the batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut slice is delicious served on its own, but it pairs exceptionally well with:

• A hot cup of tea or coffee, especially Earl Grey or a nutty coffee blend.

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like presentation.

• Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to balance the sweetness.

• A dusting of icing sugar for added flair, especially if serving guests.

Cut the slice into squares or fingers depending on your presentation preference. For parties or lunchboxes, smaller pieces work best. For dessert servings, go with larger slices.

How to Store Coconut Slice

Storage is one of this dessert’s biggest advantages. It stays moist and flavorful for several days if stored properly:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: If your climate is particularly warm, keep the container in the fridge to prevent the slice from softening or going rancid.

• Freezer: Coconut slice freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still not convinced? Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your regular baking rotation:

• Minimal ingredients — everything is likely already in your pantry.

• Quick prep — under 10 minutes of mixing and you’re ready to bake.

• One bowl, less mess — fewer dishes, more time enjoying.

• Customizable — make it your own with just a few tweaks.

• Freezer-friendly — bake now, enjoy later.

• Kid-approved — soft, sweet, and satisfying for even the pickiest eaters.

• Perfect for gifting or bake sales — it slices neatly, looks beautiful, and travels well.

This is a fantastic recipe to teach children or beginner bakers, thanks to its simplicity and high success rate.

Conclusion

The Classic Coconut Slice is a golden, chewy, and buttery baked treat that checks all the right boxes: easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious. It captures the essence of home baking: warm memories, delicious smells, and simple joys shared with loved ones.

Whether you’re baking for the first time or returning to a childhood favorite, this coconut slice offers comfort in every bite. Add it to your baking repertoire, and you’ll always have a reliable go-to for tea time, school snacks, or a last-minute dessert for guests.

There’s something beautifully nostalgic about that first bite of coconut slice, it’s more than just a treat, it’s a moment of sweetness and tradition wrapped into a single square.