Creamy Lemon Squares: A Refreshing Delight for You

Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and creamy smoothness, set atop a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust. These bars are the ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The vibrant lemon filling is bursting with citrusy goodness, thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest, which gives it a bold, tangy flavor. The filling is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the lemons.

The crust is just as delectable, providing a buttery, slightly sweet base that holds up well against the creamy filling without becoming soggy. The combination of the two textures – the crisp, firm crust and the smooth, velvety filling – creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a wonderful option for anyone who loves citrus desserts but prefers something lighter than a traditional lemon meringue pie.

The beauty of these lemon squares is that they’re easy to make, with a relatively simple set of ingredients. With a prep time of only 15 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you need a delicious homemade dessert in a pinch. Whether served as a party treat or enjoyed as a sweet indulgence on a quiet evening, Creamy Lemon Squares are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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Servings: 16 squares

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

🥢 Ingredients :

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions :

1. Prepare the crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter.
   • Mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the dough is crumbly and holds together when pressed.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
   • Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a bowl.
   • Add the flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. Bake the lemon squares:
   • After the crust finishes baking, gently add the lemon filling onto the freshly baked, warm crust.
   • Bake the squares for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
4. Serve:
   • Once the lemon squares are cooled, dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

💡 TIPS :

• For an extra tangy flavor, add more lemon zest to the filling.
• You can chill the lemon squares in the fridge for an hour before serving to make them extra refreshing.
• If you like a thicker crust, increase the crust ingredients by about 25%.

Nutrition Information(Creamy Lemon Squares)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 2g

FAQ ❓:

1. What are Creamy Lemon Squares?

• Creamy Lemon Squares are a delicious dessert featuring a buttery, sweet crust topped with a tangy, smooth lemon filling. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and served chilled.

2. How can I store Creamy Lemon Squares?

• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make Creamy Lemon Squares ahead of time?

• Yes, Creamy Lemon Squares can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, chilling them overnight enhances the flavor and texture.

4. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

• Although nothing beats the taste of fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can serve as a handy substitute when you’re short on time or ingredients.

5. How do I make the crust for Creamy Lemon Squares?

• The crust is made by combining flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. It’s pressed into a pan and baked until golden, providing a rich, buttery base for the lemon filling.

6. Can I make the filling without eggs?

• The eggs in the filling help provide structure and texture, but you could try egg substitutes, such as cornstarch or a flax egg, though it may affect the final result.

7. What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar?

• If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend regular granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine powder consistency.

8. How do I know when the filling is set?

• The filling will be set when it is firm to the touch and no longer jiggles. It should be lightly golden on top and fully cooked through when you cut into it.

9. Can I add other flavors to the lemon squares?

• Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a little bit of vanilla extract to the filling or by mixing in other citrus zest like orange for a unique twist.

10. How do I cut the lemon squares neatly?

• To get neat, clean cuts, make sure the squares are completely cooled and chilled before slicing. Use a sharp knife, and clean it between cuts for a crisp edge.