Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these creamy lemon squares! They’re like a little bite of sunshine on your plate. The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with that perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and a smooth, luscious texture that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the bright scent of fresh lemons, and I couldn’t wait to share them with friends. They were gone in no time! Seriously, these squares are so easy to whip up, and they always impress. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy family dinner, they fit right in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful creamy lemon squares. Make sure to gather everything before you start; it makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (trust me, fresh is best!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting (this makes it look so pretty!)
Make sure your ingredients are measured accurately for the best results. Let’s get ready to bake some magic!
How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Squares
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your creamy lemon squares bake evenly and come out just right. I like to set my timer for about 10 minutes, which gives me just enough time to gather everything else I need!
Prepare the Crust
Now, let’s whip up that buttery crust! In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, melted unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and crumbly. It should feel like a sandy mixture. Then, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your greased 8×8 inch baking dish. You want it nice and even; this is the base for your lemony goodness!
Bake the Crust
Pop that crust into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for it to be lightly golden around the edges. Don’t forget to check on it a minute or two before the timer goes off – we don’t want any burnt edges on our lovely crust!
Make the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, let’s get to that luscious lemon filling! In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly until it’s nice and smooth; this is where all that tangy flavor comes from! You’ll want to feel that excitement building as you mix!
Combine and Bake
Once your crust is ready, take it out of the oven and pour that beautiful lemon mixture right over the hot crust. Spread it evenly if needed. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a little jiggle—just a little, though!
Cool and Serve
After baking, let your creamy lemon squares cool completely in the pan. This part is crucial! Once they’ve cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch. Then, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy! They’re best served chilled, so you might want to pop them in the fridge for a bit before indulging.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy lemon squares turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Use fresh lemons: Seriously, fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference. Bottled lemon juice just can’t compete with that vibrant flavor! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients precisely. A little too much flour or sugar can throw everything off. I like to use a kitchen scale when I can!
- Don’t skip the cooling: After baking, let those squares cool completely before cutting into them. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts. Patience is key here!
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the filling. Just taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
- Dust before serving: Dusting with powdered sugar right before serving not only adds a lovely aesthetic but also a delightful sweetness that complements the tangy filling.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly amazing creamy lemon squares that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each square of these delightful creamy lemon squares packs a sweet punch while still being a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- 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 ingredient brands and measurements. But hey, when indulging in something as delicious as creamy lemon squares, a little flexibility is totally okay, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Ah, the classic question! While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, I really recommend going for fresh lemons. There’s just something about the bright, zesty flavor of fresh juice that bottled stuff can’t replicate. Fresh lemon juice brings a vibrant taste that really shines through in these creamy lemon squares. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the upgrade!
How do I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though they rarely last long in my house!), store your creamy lemon squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to layer some parchment paper between the squares if you stack them to keep that powdered sugar topping looking pretty!
Can I make these lemon squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These creamy lemon squares are perfect for making ahead of time. You can whip them up a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They actually taste even better after chilling, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully. Just remember to dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these creamy lemon squares, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Bright and Tangy Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest give these squares a refreshing zing that’s simply irresistible. They’re like a burst of sunshine in every bite!
- Smooth, Creamy Texture: The filling is so silky and smooth, it just melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect contrast to the buttery crust!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or just a sweet treat at home, these squares are always a hit with friends and family. They’re sure to impress!
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: They store well in the fridge and taste even better after chilling, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or parties.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or even add a twist with some berries or different citrus flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!
Trust me, once you make these creamy lemon squares, they’ll be a staple in your dessert rotation!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this lemon cake recipe or this creamy lemon chicken recipe!
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Creamy Lemon Squares: 5 Reasons You’ll Devour Them
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy lemon squares are a delightful dessert with a tangy lemon flavor and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, melted butter, and powdered sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, 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 and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamy lemon squares, lemon dessert, lemon bars, citrus dessert
