These Creamy Lemon Squares are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a velvety smooth filling and a buttery, crumbly crust. They’re a delightful dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a summer picnic, or just a treat to brighten your day. The vibrant lemon flavor combined with the rich, creamy texture makes these squares irresistibly delicious. With just the right amount of sweetness and tartness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.
2. Make the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
3. Bake the lemon squares:
- Bake the squares for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours.
4. Serve:
- Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips:
- Zest carefully: When zesting the lemons, be sure to only take the yellow part of the skin and avoid the bitter white pith.
- Chill before serving: These lemon squares are even better if chilled for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld and the filling sets up more firmly.
- Make-ahead: They store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so they’re perfect for making in advance.
These creamy lemon squares are an easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress with their fresh, zesty flavor and silky textur.
