Introduction
Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. These luscious squares are a favorite among dessert lovers and are sure to brighten up any occasion with their refreshing taste and creamy texture. The combination of a buttery crust and a smooth, lemony filling makes them irresistible.
Lemon squares are a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. They are often enjoyed at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. Their vibrant yellow color and zesty flavor make them a standout on any dessert table, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
One of the reasons Creamy Lemon Squares are so beloved is their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. This makes them a great option for both novice and experienced bakers.
The creamy filling of these lemon squares is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving them a bright, natural flavor. The use of eggs and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
The crust is equally important in this dessert, providing a buttery, slightly crunchy base that complements the smooth filling perfectly. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, the crust is easy to prepare and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy topping.
Creamy Lemon Squares are versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a more tart flavor or a sweeter finish, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar to achieve the perfect balance. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
In addition to being a delicious treat, Creamy Lemon Squares are also visually appealing. Their bright yellow color and creamy texture make them a beautiful addition to any dessert spread. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these lemon squares are sure to impress.
Ingredients
.1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to help lift the bars out later.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and powdered sugar. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the flour mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the lemon filling, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Place the lemon squares on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges clean.
For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, dust the top of the lemon squares with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve the creamy lemon squares chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Make
Begin by selecting fresh, ripe lemons. The quality of the lemons will significantly impact the flavor of your lemon squares. Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have bright, smooth skin..
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan. Greasing and lining the pan with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the lemon squares once they are baked.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar for the crust. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it firmly into place. Bake the crust in the preheated oven until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined. Add the fresh lemon juice and zest, and whisk until smooth.
Sift together the remaining flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the lemon filling, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges.
Once the lemon squares are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling the bars in the pan ensures they set properly and are easier to cut.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled lemon squares out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
For an extra touch, dust the tops of the lemon squares with powdered sugar before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Tips
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, fresh taste that makes these squares so delicious.
Cold butter is essential for the crust. It helps create a flaky, tender base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the crust has the right texture.
Pre-bake the crust until it’s lightly golden. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy when the lemon filling is added.
Whisk the filling until it’s completely smooth. Any lumps can affect the texture of the finished lemon squares.
Sift the flour and baking powder before adding them to the filling. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, even filling.
Cool the lemon squares completely before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut cleanly.
Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon squares. Wiping the knife between cuts ensures clean edges and a neat presentation.
For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops of the lemon squares with powdered sugar before serving.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Lemon squares keep well for several days and make a delicious chilled treat.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Their creamy, luscious filling and buttery crust make them a favorite among dessert lovers.
This classic treat is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. With a straightforward recipe and a bit of patience, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Perfect for any occasion, these lemon squares are a crowd-pleaser. Their bright yellow color and zesty flavor make them a standout on any dessert table, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar to suit your taste, and add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
In addition to being delicious, these lemon squares are also visually appealing. Their vibrant color and creamy texture make them a beautiful addition to any dessert spread.
Regularly making and enjoying Creamy Lemon Squares can become a cherished tradition. They are a timeless treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this classic dessert. With fresh ingredients and a bit of care, you can create lemon squares that are sure to impress and delight everyone who tastes them.