Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

---

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Combine the Crust Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press the Mixture:
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
3. Bake the Crust:
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

---

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk the Filling Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth.
   • Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, and whisk until well combined.

---

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the Filling:
   • Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake Again:
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.

---

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Completely:
   • Remove the lemon squares from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the filling to set.
2. Cut and Dust:
   • Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the lemon squares into desired sizes. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

---

Tips:

• Storage: Store leftover lemon squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serving Suggestion: These squares are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Zest: Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing for maximum flavor!

Enjoy your delightful Creamy Lemon Squares!