Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these creamy lemon squares! If you’re a fan of desserts that strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, then this recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine cutting into a square and being greeted by a smooth, velvety texture that just melts in your mouth, paired with a zesty lemon flavor that dances on your taste buds. Honestly, every bite is like a little sunshine explosion! They’re not only delightful to eat but also super easy to whip up, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these creamy lemon squares, you’ll be daydreaming about them long after they’re gone!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious creamy lemon squares! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for that bright, tangy flavor! And don’t skimp on the zest—it really takes these squares to the next level. Ready to get cooking? Let’s move on to the next step!
How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Squares
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious creamy lemon squares! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your squares to bake evenly and come out perfectly set.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix them well until you’ve got a crumbly texture.
- Next, press that mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Be sure to pack it down nice and tight to form a solid crust.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—nobody likes a burnt crust!
- While that’s baking, let’s whip up the creamy lemon filling. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Make sure everything is combined well and has that tangy aroma wafting up!
- Once your crust is done, pour the lemon mixture over it and return it to the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is set but still has that soft, creamy look.
- After baking, let those squares cool completely in the pan. This is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it! Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.
And there you have it! Simple, right? These creamy lemon squares will be the star of any gathering, so get ready to share the love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful creamy lemon squares. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but this gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Now you can enjoy those creamy lemon squares with a little more awareness of what’s in each bite! Perfect for sharing with friends or just treating yourself, right?
Tips for Success
To ensure your creamy lemon squares turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, when measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents packing and gives you the right amount. Also, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this helps them blend smoothly into the filling.
Keep an eye on your baking times—ovens can vary! You’ll want to take them out when the centers are just set but still have that lovely jiggle. After baking, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes for cleaner squares. Trust me, patience is key here! And don’t forget the dusting of powdered sugar just before serving; it adds that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Variations of Creamy Lemon Squares
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these creamy lemon squares! For a twist, try substituting fresh lime juice for the lemon juice. The result? A zesty lime treat that’s just as refreshing! You could also add a hint of fresh herbs like mint or basil into the filling for an unexpected flavor pop—just a teaspoon of finely chopped herbs will do!
Another delightful option is to incorporate some berry goodness. Toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries into the lemon mixture before baking to give your squares a fruity burst. And if you’re a coconut lover, mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical vibe! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your own favorite rendition of these creamy squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You’ll have these creamy lemon squares ready in just about an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet craving!
- Rich Flavor: The tangy lemon flavor combined with a smooth, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Serve: Cut them into squares and serve! They’re a no-fuss dessert that looks gorgeous on any platter.
- Make Ahead: These squares are fantastic for prepping in advance. Just chill them in the fridge, and they’re ready to impress when guests arrive!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their bright flavor and creamy goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Versatile: Feel free to switch things up with different citrus fruits or toppings; the base recipe is so adaptable!
Honestly, what’s not to love? These creamy lemon squares are a delightful treat that can brighten up any day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delicious creamy lemon squares, the options are as bright and refreshing as the squares themselves! A light cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors, making for a perfectly soothing afternoon treat. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more vibrant, a sparkling lemonade or a refreshing iced tea can complement the lemony goodness beautifully.
For a fruity touch, consider serving them alongside fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are all fantastic choices. Their natural sweetness balances the tartness of the lemon squares perfectly. And if you really want to elevate the dessert experience, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can add a creamy contrast that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get creative and enjoy these squares with your favorite pairings—the sky’s the limit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy lemon squares properly is key to keeping that delightful flavor and texture intact! Once they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week. Just be sure to layer some parchment paper between the squares to prevent them from sticking together.
If you want to indulge later on, you can also freeze these squares! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary; they’re best served chilled, so you can relish that creamy lemon goodness just as it was intended. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this lemon drizzle cake recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe for a delightful meal pairing!
Print
Creamy lemon squares that will brighten your day!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy lemon squares are a delightful dessert with a tangy lemon flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute lime juice for a different flavor.
- Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: creamy lemon squares, lemon dessert, tangy squares
