Creamy lemon squares are a delightful blend of tangy lemon filling over a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. They are perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing and zesty flavor. Here’s how to make these delicious creamy lemon squares:
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to come together.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust.
4. Bake the Lemon Squares:
- Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the lemon squares for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
- Once chilled, dust the top of the lemon squares with powdered sugar.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon squares out of the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the creamy lemon squares on a serving platter and serve chilled. They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Lemon Squares
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it may lack the fresh, zesty taste.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons, being careful to only grate the outer, yellow part of the peel for maximum flavor.
- Chilling Time: Ensure the lemon squares are fully chilled before serving to allow the filling to set properly.
- Customize: For a variation, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the filling for a brighter lemon color.
Enjoy these creamy lemon squares as a refreshing dessert or a delightful treat with a cup of tea. They are sure to brighten any occasion with their citrusy goodness!
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