Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: creamy lemon squares! These little bites of sunshine are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, all sitting on a buttery crust that just melts in your mouth. I can’t even count the number of family gatherings where these have stolen the show. Picture this: a warm summer day, the laughter of loved ones, and those delicious lemon squares being passed around. Trust me, every bite is like a burst of happiness! They’re super easy to make and always impress. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple for your next gathering!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (fresh is key for that zesty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (don’t skip this—it’s where the magic is!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Squares
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure that your creamy lemon squares bake evenly and come out perfectly set. You want that lovely golden crust, right?
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Give it a little stir to mix them together. Then, add in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Trust me, it should be nice and creamy for the best results! Blend everything until it resembles a crumbly mixture. Once that’s done, press this buttery goodness firmly into the bottom of a greased 8-inch square pan. It should be nice and even. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
While that crust is baking, let’s whip up the lemon filling! In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. This is where the magic happens! The fresh lemon juice and zest give it that bright, zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible. Don’t forget to add in 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything until it’s well combined and smooth. You’re going to want to dive right into this mixture—it’s so good!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Once your crust is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the luscious lemon mixture right over it. Spread it out evenly so every bite is packed with that creamy goodness. Bake it again for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’ll know it’s done when it doesn’t jiggle too much in the center. Let it cool completely in the pan, then dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic touch. Cut them into squares, and voila! You’ve got yourself a plate of heavenly creamy lemon squares ready to impress your family and friends!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy lemon squares turn out as amazing as they can be! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. You can really taste the difference! If you can, zest the lemons right before you use them to keep that zingy aroma fresh.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you whisk them. This helps them blend more smoothly into the mixture, leading to a creamier filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re whisking the lemon filling, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, and we want these squares to be light and creamy!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your squares during the last few minutes of baking. They should be set but still slightly soft in the middle. If they look too jiggly, give them a few more minutes—but be careful not to overbake!
- Cooling is Key: Allow your lemon squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts. Patience is a virtue here!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of ginger or vanilla extract to your lemon filling for a unique twist. Lemon and ginger together are a match made in heaven!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious creamy lemon squares that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While I believe the joy of eating creamy lemon squares far outweighs the calorie count, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a general idea of what to expect per square:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, life is all about balance, right? Enjoy your creamy lemon squares and share them with friends and family—they’re too good not to share!
FAQ Section
Got questions about creamy lemon squares? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear all the time, along with my go-to answers:
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh is really the way to go! It has a brighter, more vibrant flavor that makes these squares truly shine. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No problem! If you find yourself without powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and powdery. Just be sure to sift it to remove any lumps before using!
How do I store leftover creamy lemon squares?
To keep those delicious squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about a week—if they last that long! Just make sure to dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness.
Can I freeze creamy lemon squares?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened for the best results. I’ve tried it, and it works surprisingly well!
How can I make these lemon squares gluten-free?
Great question! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well. The tangy lemon flavor will still shine through!
If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you create those perfect creamy lemon squares that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you’ll have these creamy lemon squares ready in no time!
- Deliciously Tangy: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these squares are a delightful treat for your taste buds!
- Buttery Crust: The buttery base is the ideal complement to the zesty lemon filling, creating a heavenly bite!
- Perfect for Gatherings: They’re a crowd-pleaser at parties, picnics, or family get-togethers—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Make Ahead: These squares store beautifully in the fridge, making them great for preparing in advance!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings—add some fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist!
- Light and Refreshing: Perfect for a light dessert after a heavy meal, leaving you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of creamy lemon squares, and now you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for later. Well, I’ve got you covered! To store your leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re just so darn good!
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then put them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, all you need to do is thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating necessary—serve them chilled for that refreshing, creamy bite.
Just a little tip: If you’ve stored them in the fridge, consider dusting them with a bit of powdered sugar right before serving to bring back that lovely sweetness and presentation. Trust me, your family and friends will love you for it!
Z nadrukami
Creamy lemon squares: 7 reasons they’ll brighten your day
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 16 squares 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious and tangy creamy lemon squares with a buttery crust.
Składniki
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar. Add the butter and blend until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 square
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy lemon squares, lemon dessert, easy lemon squares
