Creamy Lemon Squares

Lemon squares have a special place in the dessert world, embodying the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that leaves you craving more. Imagine biting into a velvety square that flips your taste buds upside down—from the first bite, you’re hit with a zesty punch, followed by creamy softness that feels both indulgent and refreshing. These Creamy Lemon Squares have become a beloved favorite in our family, often making appearances during gatherings, where they’re polished off faster than you can say “second helping!” In fact, I recall the first time I made these for a family get-together; the platter was empty within an hour—talk about a hit! If you love desserts that are simple yet impressive, much like my popular No-Bake Cheesecake, then stay tuned for this delightful recipe.

What are Creamy Lemon Squares?

So, what exactly are these tantalizing treats known as Creamy Lemon Squares? Well, imagine a creamy, lemony filling set on a buttery, crumbly crust that practically melts in your mouth—it’s pure bliss! But here’s a question for you: who came up with the name “lemon squares”? Did they start as circles and then someone decided squares might be more fun? Perhaps a chef stumbled upon the shape while distracted by a lemon meringue pie? Either way, these treats remind me of the age-old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, these squares will leave everyone wanting more! So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s prepare to indulge in this mouthwatering dessert together.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Lemon Squares

What makes these Creamy Lemon Squares truly irresistible? First off, they are the epitome of a delightful dessert! The main dish highlight lies in their harmonious blend of creamy lemon filling and a buttery crust that promises to tantalize every taste bud. Second, whipping up these squares at home saves money while delighting your family with a sweet treat that’s far better than any store-bought dessert you can find. And let’s not forget about toppings—a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look oh-so-elegant, while a dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts! Compared to traditional lemon meringue pie, these are simpler and just as delicious. So why wait? Grab your apron and let’s dive into the joys of baking!

How to Make Creamy Lemon Squares

Quick Overview

Getting ready to make these Creamy Lemon Squares is a breeze! In just about 15 minutes of preparation time, you’ll have everything mixed and ready to bake, plus there’s minimal mess to clean up afterward. The lovely duo of buttery crust and creamy lemon filling comes together seamlessly, resulting in a dish that promises pure satisfaction with every slice.

Ingredients

To create your Creamy Lemon Squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for your lemon squares.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix until crumbly, and then press the mixture into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, 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 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder in another bowl until smooth.
4. Combine and Bake: Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly brown around the edges.
5. Cool: Allow the Lemon Squares to cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Lemon Squares

1. Substitutions: If you want a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
2. Timing: Keep a close eye on baking times; ovens can vary, and you want the lemon filling just set—too much baking can lead to dryness.
3. Common Mistakes: Avoid over-mixing the filling; it should be smooth, but mixing it too much can introduce air bubbles that may alter the texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To ensure your Creamy Lemon Squares remain fresh, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. If you wish to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. For serving, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours, and if desired, re-dust with powdered sugar before serving to bring back that fresh look!

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to making delicious Creamy Lemon Squares! Your family will be begging for seconds, and you might even find yourself coming back for a late-night treat. Happy baking!

Creamy Lemon Squares

Delightful lemon squares with a creamy filling and buttery crust, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 16 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For serving

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and press into the bottom of a lined 8x8-inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Making the Filling

1. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder in a bowl until smooth.

Combining and Baking

1. Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly brown around the edges.

Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the Lemon Squares to cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.

Notes

Tips for perfecting: Use gluten-free flour for an alternative, keep a close eye on baking times, and avoid over-mixing the filling. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.