Luscious Lemon Squares

There’s something irresistibly delightful about the combination of tart and sweet, and our Luscious Lemon Squares capture this perfectly. After countless attempts and many taste tests (our devoted husbands might have had enough), we’ve perfected the balance between a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these squares are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Luscious Lemon Squares are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a velvety lemon filling that sits atop a crisp, buttery shortbread crust. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, they’re a delight for both lemon lovers and those new to the flavor.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch (23-cm) square baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine sieve for powdered sugar

Ingredients

• 1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel, if desired
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Line a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, building up a 1/2-inch edge around the sides.
5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, lemon peel, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and eggs using an electric mixer on high speed. Continue until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
7. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and no indentation remains when touched lightly.
9. Allow the squares to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Cut into approximately 1 1/2-inch squares for serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the butter is softened to blend smoothly with the flour and powdered sugar for the crust.
• Be precise with your measurements, especially for the lemon juice, to achieve the perfect balance of tartness.
• Let the squares cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For an extra lemony punch, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
• Try using Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• For a decorative touch, use a stencil to create patterns with the powdered sugar on top.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Servings: 25
3 Smartpoints
Calories: 90
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these lemon squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze lemon squares?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have aluminum foil?
Parchment paper can be used as an alternative, though it may not provide as clean of a lift as foil.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and savoring these Luscious Lemon Squares as much as we do. Their bright flavor and simple preparation make them a favorite in any dessert spread. We’d love to hear how your lemon squares turned out, so please share your experiences and any delightful tweaks you made in the comments below. Happy baking!