Raspberry and Coconut Slice

I'm going vintage today, with a recipe that was most likely cooked in every kitchen of Australia at some point during the 70's and 80's.  This Raspberry and Coconut Slice brings a smile to my husbands face every time I make it, and it floods him with wonderful memories of his mum:

The recipe was published by the Australian Woman's Weekly and there are variations but they all adhere fairly closely to the original. My mother in law presented it a little differently. She pressed portions of the base into individual muffin pans and then spooned in the toppings so they were more like a little cake than a slice. She called them Raspberry Cakes but I prefer the slice myself even though it all tastes the same.

The Raspberry and Coconut Slice begins with a lovely cake like base that literally melts in your mouth. It's topped with a generous layer of sweet raspberry jam and finally a thick layer of gorgeous toasted coconut. What's not to love? This slice is seriously yum!

You can use whatever flavoured jam you like or have on hand; blackberry jam is another of our favorites, and apricot jam elevates this slice to a whole new level. It also works with strawberry, plum and blackcurrant jam so play around with different flavors, but whatever you do......be generous with the jam, I beg you. I think the original recipe was about 1/2 cup but I use a full cup (maybe a little more) to ensure that yummy base is generously covered.

This slice takes me back to every road trip, holiday or weekend at the shack we shared with my in-laws. Without fail there was always a lunchbox full of her cakes and a thermos of tea packed in the car for pit stops on the side of the road.
My mother in law used jam in so many recipes. I think my personal favorite recipe was her Jam Roly Poly- now that was to die for. I must try to make it myself one day :)

This is a very quick and easy slice and you should be able to bake it with ingredients you have on hand. Its perfect to serve with coffee for friends or pack some in the picnic basket for a sweet treat in the great outdoors.

If you would like to try this delicious Raspberry and Coconut Slice you can download the recipe by clicking the link or right click on the photo below and save it to your computer.

I hope you enjoy this slice. I know it makes my husband a happy man and it brings back wonderful memories of his mum. I love how food does that :)

Happy baking :)