Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares combine the tangy zest of fresh lemons with a rich, creamy filling and a buttery shortbread crust. This delightful dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings, or whenever you crave a light and refreshing treat. These lemon squares are not only visually appealing but also packed with vibrant citrus flavor that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients Overview

Lemons

• Why This Ingredient? Lemons provide the essential tartness and fresh, citrusy aroma that define this dessert.
• Health Benefits: Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is known for boosting the immune system and aiding in skin health.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Why This Ingredient? Sweetened condensed milk offers sweetness and contributes to the creamy texture of the filling.
• Health Benefits: While rich in sugar, it also provides calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle function.

Eggs

• Why This Ingredient? Eggs help to set the filling, giving it a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Health Benefits: Eggs are a complete source of protein and contain various essential vitamins and minerals.

Shortbread Crust

• Why This Ingredient? The shortbread crust provides a buttery, crumbly base that complements the creamy lemon filling.
• Health Benefits: When made with whole wheat flour, the crust can offer additional fiber and nutrients.

Substitutions

For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, consider these alternatives:

• Lemons: Lime or orange zest and juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For a dairy-free version, coconut condensed milk is a suitable alternative.
• Eggs: Agar-agar or cornstarch can be used as a binding agent for a vegan version.
• Shortbread Crust: A gluten-free flour blend can replace regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Recipe

Yield: Makes 16 squares

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for crust)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 large eggs
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the dessert cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Each square approximately contains:

• Calories: 200
• Carbs: 28g
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 4g

Storage Instructions

Store Creamy Lemon Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful treat that effortlessly blends tangy lemon with sweet, creamy filling and a crisp crust. Whether for a picnic, a family dinner, or a special occasion, these lemon squares are sure to be a refreshing addition to any meal.

FAQ

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use high-quality bottled juice in a pinch.
2. How can I prevent the crust from becoming too hard? Avoid overbaking the crust, and ensure it is just lightly golden before adding the filling.

Creamy Lemon Squares

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Pin

Print

Ingredients

• For the base of the bars:
•  1 cup Wheat flour (140 grams).
•  ¼ cup sugar (50 grams)
•  8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
•  1 pinch of salt
•  1 dessertspoon vanilla essence or extract.
• For the filling:
•  3 eggs
•  3 tablespoons Sicilian Lemon juice
•  1 cup of sugar (200 grams)
•  4 tablespoons of corn starch
•  3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
•  1 pinch of salt
•  1 piece of Sicilian lemon

Instructions

1. To prepare these Sicilian Lemon Sticks you need to start by gathering the ingredients.
2. To prepare the base of this lemon dessert you have to mix in a bowl all the corresponding ingredients (flour, sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla essence) until you obtain a homogeneous and compact dough
3. Cover with aluminum foil a rectangular mold of about 20 cm in diameter. With a spatula, spread the mixture of the base of the lemon bars on the bottom. Bake the dough base in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling for the lemon bars: to do this, beat together in a blender or food processor the lemon juice and pulp (without seeds). Ideally, the lemon pulp should be in very small pieces, and if desired, it can be passed through a sieve.
5. To continue preparing the filling for the lemon bars, mix the previous preparation with the sugar.
6. Add the remaining ingredients and mix everything very well.
7. When the base of the lemon bars is well baked, pour the previous mixture on top and bake again in the oven at 150°C for 30 minutes, or until the filling has a pudding-like consistency.
8. After this time, remove the lemon dessert from the oven and let it cool completely. Unmold and with a knife, cut into lemon bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Bon appétit!