Creamy Lemon Squares
Introduction
Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances a tangy lemon flavor with a sweet, buttery crust.
They’re soft, creamy, and incredibly refreshing—a perfect treat for spring, summer, or any time you crave a bright, zesty dessert.
Easy to make and irresistible to taste, these squares are a crowd-pleaser at parties, brunches, or just for a simple sweet snack at home.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the lemon filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cutting.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Description
These lemon squares feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a smooth, creamy lemon filling that is bright, zesty, and just sweet enough.
They offer a refreshing balance of flavors that make them both indulgent and light. Perfect for dessert trays, afternoon tea, or a sunny picnic treat.
Tips
- For extra tang, increase the lemon zest slightly.
- Make sure not to overbake the filling; it should still have a slight wobble when done.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can taste flat.
- Chill before cutting to ensure clean squares.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle powdered sugar through a small sieve right before serving.
Correction Notes
- Ensure all measurements are accurate; baking is sensitive to ingredient ratios.
- If your crust is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water to help it bind.
- Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Enjoy
Serve your creamy lemon squares chilled or at room temperature, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.
They’re perfect for sharing, but you might find it hard not to eat them all yourself!
