Oh my goodness, you guys! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite sweet treats: Lemon Coconut Tassies. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that brings a little sunshine to your day, then look no further. These little gems are the perfect balance of a crunchy crust and a creamy lemon-coconut filling, and they always remind me of the warm summer days spent at my grandmother’s house. She had this incredible knack for baking, and every time I make these tassies, I feel like I’m right there in her cozy kitchen again!
The versatility of these tassies is what makes them so special. They’re not just beautiful to look at, they’re also incredibly easy to make. The bright flavor of lemon paired with the sweet creaminess of coconut is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, with that delightful crunch from the crust, it’s a texture party in your mouth! Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself) with this seriously delightful dessert.
What’s in Lemon Coconut Tassies?
Flour: This is the backbone of our crust! I usually go with all-purpose flour for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Butter: Ah, the magic ingredient! It gives the crust that beautiful, rich flavor and makes it heavenly buttery. I love using unsalted butter so that I can control the saltiness.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness for both the crust and the filling. Granulated sugar is my go-to, as it incorporates nicely into the dough and the filling.
Coconut Milk: This is where the creaminess comes in! It makes the filling luscious and adds a wonderful coconut flavor. I prefer full-fat coconut milk for that extra richness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! The tanginess of lemon juice really elevates the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Eggs: These help to set the filling and give it that wonderful creamy texture. They’re essential for binding everything together.
Shredded Coconut: It adds extra texture and a delightful coconut flavor, both in the filling and as a garnish on top. I love using sweetened shredded coconut for that extra bit of goodness.
Is Lemon Coconut Tassies Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether these tassies can fit into a healthy lifestyle or not. While they’re undeniably delicious, they do come with some considerations.
Coconut Milk: It can be high in saturated fat, but in moderation, it’s absolutely fine! It’s also a great source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest can be beneficial for overall health.
Lemon Juice: We all know how great vitamin C is, so thank you, lemon! It’s not only refreshing but also boosts your immune system.
Shredded Coconut: You get fiber and some vitamins from coconut, but remember, it’s calorie-dense, so enjoy those tassies, but maybe don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting—unless you want to!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (plus more for topping)
*This recipe makes about 12-15 tassies, depending on how full you fill those little cups!*
How to Make Lemon Coconut Tassies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the dough firmly into the mini muffin pans to form small cups. Make sure the edges are nice and even.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and shredded coconut until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon-coconut filling into the crusts, filling them about 3/4 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden on the edges.
7. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely. Top with extra shredded coconut for that lovely finishing touch!
A Sweet Treat with a Twist!
Here are a few variations you might want to consider! You can add a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra zing, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving for that added extravagance. Try different nut crusts if you want to swap flour out, or go for dark chocolate drizzled over the top. The possibilities are endless!
I hope you give these Lemon Coconut Tassies a try. I mean, what’s not to love about a dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and so will your friends and family. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments—I can’t wait to hear how your tassies turn out! Happy baking!
