Lemon Squares: A Zesty Delight That's Easy to Make
Lemon squares are a classic dessert, loved for their tangy lemon flavor, buttery shortbread crust, and sweet, creamy filling. This recipe will guide you through making these delightful treats, perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe simple to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe breaks down into two main components: the crust and the lemon filling. Let's start with the ingredients for the shortbread crust:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Now, let's gather the ingredients for the zesty lemon filling:
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Lemon Squares
Follow these easy steps to create delicious lemon squares:
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into an 8x8 inch baking pan. Make sure it's evenly distributed and pressed down to create a solid base.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon juice, eggs, flour, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour over Crust: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Bake the Filling: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool Completely: Let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Tips for Lemon Square Perfection:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference in the flavor of your lemon squares.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry crust and a tough filling.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allow the lemon squares to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover lemon squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations to Explore:
- Berry Lemon Squares: Add fresh berries to the filling for a delightful twist.
- Chocolate Lemon Squares: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled lemon squares for a decadent treat.
- Raspberry Lemon Squares: Incorporate raspberry puree into the lemon filling for a unique flavor combination.
This detailed recipe will guide you towards baking amazing lemon squares. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!
