Chocolate Coconut Squares

This recipe was very popular years ago when I was a kid. In Romania is known as “Prajitura Tavalita”. The icing for the traditional recipe is made with cocoa but I’ve made my own version using chocolate instead. I know the original recipe from my aunt who lives in the same village as my grandparents; I spent most of my childhood vacations there. It is extremely easy to make and perfect for the Christmas holidays.

Time: 70 min, Prep: 40 min.  Cook: 30 min
Servings: ~49 squares        

Ingredients:

For batter:

• 150 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 450 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 pouch vanilla sugar (9 g)
• 4 Tbsp honey
• 600 g white flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 450 ml milk

For icing:

• 250 g semi-sweet chocolate (I used chocolate chips)
• 12 Tbsp butter (~ 160 g)
• 12 Tbsp milk
• 12 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar
• 4 tsp rum extract

Preparation:

In a large bowl cream softened butter and sugar. Add eggs and honey and mix well. Combine flour with baking powder. Gradually add milk and flour and continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Lightly grease a 30 x 30 cm baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes until light brown (you can insert a toothpick in the centre and if it comes out clean then it’s ready). Remove it from the pan, allow it to cool, then slice into 4 cm squares.

Melt the chocolate and butter. Add sugar, milk and rum extract and stir well.

Place the coconut flakes into a bowl. Dip each square into the chocolate mixture and take them out using a fork, allowing excess to drip off. Roll each square in the coconut flakes.