Why does the condensed milk thicken when mixed with lemon juice?

The most fresh lemon juice is strongly acidic, and when it contacts the most alkaline proteins in the sweetened condensed milk, a gentle acid-base reaction occurs that causes the mixture to thicken slightly — similar to the most chemical reaction in key lime pie. This most natural thickening through acid-dairy reaction is the most essential structural mechanism that allows the no-bake individual filling to set firmly during refrigeration without any gelatin or cooking required.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes. Unsweetened shredded coconut produces a most less sweet and the most more naturally coconut-forward individual bar that many bakers prefer for the most properly balanced flavor. Increase the sweetened condensed milk by two tablespoons to compensate for the most reduced individual sweetness from unsweetened coconut.

How do I get clean individual cuts?

The three most effective techniques for the most cleanly cut individual lemon coconut squares are chilling the most completely for the full minimum 4 hours before cutting, using a large sharp knife rather than a serrated blade, and wiping the blade most completely clean between every single individual cut. A knife dipped briefly in warm water and wiped dry immediately before each cut also produces the most beautifully defined individual square edges.

Lemon Coconut Squares Easy No-Bake Zesty Condensed Milk Recipe

Name: Lemon Coconut Squares The Most Easy No-Bake Zesty Condensed Milk Lemon Shredded Coconut Graham Cracker Individual Bar You Will Make
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-497865H23M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted; 1 can 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk; 1/2 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice approximately 3 to 4 lemons; 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest; 2 cups Shredded Sweetened Coconut

Description

The most extraordinary no-bake Lemon Coconut Squares made by lining 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment sling combining 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted butter pressing firmly into pan refrigerating 15 minutes stirring 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk with 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice and 2 tsp fresh lemon zest until combined and slightly thickened stirring in 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut until evenly distributed pouring and spreading evenly over chilled crust covering with plastic and refrigerating minimum 4 hours or overnight lifting parchment sling from pan placing on cutting board cutting into individual squares with sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Serve cold dusted with toasted coconut. A completely perfect 5-ingredient no-bake lemon coconut square recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted

1 can 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice approximately 3 to 4 lemons

2 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest

2 cups Shredded Sweetened Coconut

Instructions

1. Line 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment sling with overhang. Spray with cooking spray.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into pan. Refrigerate 15 minutes.

3. Stir condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined and slightly thickened.

4. Stir in shredded coconut until evenly distributed.

5. Pour and spread evenly over chilled crust.

6. Cover with plastic. Refrigerate minimum 4 hours or overnight.

7. Lift parchment sling from pan. Place on cutting board.

8. Cut into squares with sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Serve cold.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Bars, No-Bake, Spring
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 220
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 115mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: lemon coconut squares, easy no-bake lemon coconut squares recipe condensed milk fresh lemon shredded coconut, best zesty no-bake lemon coconut bar graham cracker, 5-ingredient no-bake lemon coconut square