No-Bake Mauritian Coconut and Pineapple Icebox Squares

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides so you can lift the whole slab out later.

Serves 9

Ingredients

• 8 ounces digestive biscuits or graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk, chilled
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes, toasted

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides so you can lift the whole slab out later.
2. Crush the biscuits to fine crumbs, stir in the melted butter and salt, then press the mixture firmly into the pan in an even layer. Chill for 20 minutes until set.
3. Squeeze the diced pineapple gently in a clean towel to remove excess juice, which would otherwise loosen the filling.
4. Whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks in a large bowl, stopping while it still slumps rather than holding a firm point.
5. In a second bowl, whisk the condensed milk, coconut milk, lime juice and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened by the acid.
6. Fold the whipped cream into the coconut mixture in three additions, then fold through the shredded coconut and drained pineapple.
7. Pour the filling over the chilled base and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
8. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the filling is firm enough to slice cleanly.
9. Lift the slab out using the parchment, scatter with toasted coconut flakes, and cut into 9 squares with a hot, dry knife.
10. Mauritius sits where Indian, French and Creole kitchens meet, and its desserts show it: French pastry technique, tropical fruit, and the coconut that grows everywhere on the island. This one asks nothing of an oven, which matters in July whether you are in Port Louis or anywhere else that gets hot. The lime is doing quiet structural work here, thickening the condensed milk so the squares hold their edge without gelatin.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 210mg