Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with creamy lemon squares! There’s just something magical about the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess that makes these little bites of sunshine irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with that bright, zesty aroma, and I couldn’t wait to take a bite. The buttery crust combined with that luscious lemon filling is pure bliss. Trust me, once you take a taste of these creamy lemon squares, you’ll find them hard to resist. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that brightens any day!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our buttery crust, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to our crust, making it melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the crust! It brings richness and a beautiful buttery flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together in the creamy lemon filling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key in our lemon filling, balancing the tartness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: This is where the magic happens! Freshly squeezed juice gives that vibrant tang.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: A little zest goes a long way in enhancing the lemon flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our filling a light lift and helps it set perfectly.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch to make these squares look as delightful as they taste!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for those creamy lemon squares!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. It’s super quick, just whisk them together until they’re blended.
- Next, add in the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and mix until the texture is crumbly. I usually use my hands to get it just right!
- Now, press that crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. It should form a nice even layer.
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake the crust for about 15 minutes. You want it just lightly golden.
- While that’s baking, grab another bowl and whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This is where the creamy filling comes to life!
- Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon mixture over it and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely at room temperature before dusting with powdered sugar. Trust me, letting it cool is worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Rich, creamy filling balanced with a delightful tang that brightens your taste buds.
- Buttery crust that complements the lemony goodness, making every bite a treat.
- Ideal for any occasion—bring them to potlucks, serve as a light dessert after dinner, or just enjoy them as a personal indulgence.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert option!
- Perfectly portioned; cut them into squares for easy serving and sharing.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance that impresses guests.
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy lemon squares turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! First off, make sure your unsalted butter is softened but not melted. It should be at room temperature, which helps create that lovely crumbly crust. If it’s too warm, your crust might turn out greasy.
When mixing the crust ingredients, don’t be afraid to use your hands! It’s the best way to really incorporate the butter into the flour and sugar, creating that perfect texture. Just remember, don’t overwork it—just mix until crumbly.
For the creamy filling, whisk the eggs well before adding the sugars and lemon juice. This ensures a nice, smooth mixture without any egg clumps. And speaking of lemon juice, always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled—it makes a world of difference in flavor!
Keep an eye on your baking times! Ovens can vary, so start checking your squares a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You’re looking for a filling that’s set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. This means you’ll get that delightful creamy texture once it cools.
Lastly, let your lemon squares cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. This not only makes them look beautiful but also prevents the sugar from melting into the filling. Trust me, these little details make all the difference in creating the best creamy lemon squares!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these creamy lemon squares! Here are some of my favorite variations that can take this already delightful dessert to the next level:
- Different Citrus Fruits: Swap out the lemon juice and zest for other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor profile—think zesty lime squares or sweet orange bars!
- Berry Bliss: Add a layer of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, on top of the crust before pouring in the lemon filling. The tartness of the berries complements the creamy lemon perfectly!
- Coconut Cream: Mix in some shredded coconut into the lemon filling for a tropical touch. You could even top it with coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Vanilla Bean: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a few specks of vanilla bean to the filling. It adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart lemon.
- Matcha Magic: For a unique flavor twist, incorporate a teaspoon of matcha powder into the lemon filling. It not only adds a beautiful green hue but also a subtle earthy flavor that’s simply delightful!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the squares are cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a rich contrast to the tangy lemon. It’s a decadent surprise in every bite!
These variations are not just fun; they’re a great way to experiment and find your personal favorite. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make these creamy lemon squares your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for these delightful creamy lemon squares. Please note that these figures are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands or variations you might use:
- Calories: 150 per square
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
These lemon squares are a sweet treat that balances indulgence with a hint of tartness, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy lemon squares properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can cover them with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Don’t forget to keep them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay good for up to a week. Trust me, they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
When it comes to serving, you can enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This way, you get that perfect creamy texture that melts in your mouth!
As for reheating, creamy lemon squares are best served cold, so there’s no need for the oven or microwave. Just slice a square and enjoy! If you do happen to have leftovers that you want to warm slightly, be cautious not to overheat them, as it can change that lovely creamy consistency. Just a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds should do the trick, but I recommend enjoying them chilled for the ultimate experience!
FAQ Section
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice might do in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. It really makes a difference in the tanginess and brightness of your creamy lemon squares!
How do I know when my creamy lemon squares are done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. Once they cool, the texture will be just right!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they’re perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors get even better as they sit!
What’s the best way to cut the squares?
To achieve clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and wiping it between cuts. This keeps the edges neat and prevents the creamy filling from sticking to the knife.
Can I freeze creamy lemon squares?
Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture!
Creamy lemon squares: 7 blissful bites of sunshine
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 16 squares 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A tangy and creamy dessert with a buttery crust.
Ingrédients
- 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
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar.
- Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Adjust the lemon juice for more or less tartness.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: creamy lemon squares, lemon dessert, lemon bars
