Creamy Lemon Squares

These Creamy Lemon Squares are the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. With their bright lemon flavor, they can brighten up a picnic, party, or family gathering. The unique combination of a buttery crust and a creamy filling makes these squares irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these lemon squares in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon juice adds a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm days or as a palate cleanser after a heavy meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you cut them into small bites for a party or larger pieces for dessert, they’re always a hit!
• No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need fancy tools; just basic kitchen equipment will do.
• Make Ahead Option: These squares can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Creamy Lemon Squares, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps quickly crumble the grachicken chicken ham crackers into fine pieces, saving you time and effort.
• Baking pan: An 8-inch square pan is ideal for achieving the right thickness for your lemon squares. It ensures even baking.
• Parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment makes it easy to lift out the finished squares without sticking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make these delicious Creamy Lemon Squares, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 24 squares grachicken chicken ham crackers
• ¼ cup of sugar

For the Filling:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 can (12oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup of lemon juice

How to Make Creamy Lemon Squares

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your lemon squares bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Butter and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging on two sides; this will help you remove the creamy lemon squares later.

Step 3: Make the Crust

1. Break up the grachicken chicken ham crackers into smaller pieces.
2. Add them to the food processor and pulse until crumbled.
3. Add sugar and melted butter to the crumbs, then pulse once more until combined.
4. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Once done, let it cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the crust cools, prepare your filling:
1. In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth; an electric mixer can help if preferred.
2. Add fresh lemon juice, whisking until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Combine and Bake Again

Once your crust has cooled:
1. Pour the creamy filling over it.
2. Bake again in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your creamy squares cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. For firmer squares, refrigerate after reaching room temperature. When ready to serve, use the hanging parchment paper to lift them out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into either 16 mini squares or 9 larger ones.

Enjoy your deliciously refreshing Creamy Lemon Squares!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your lemon squares with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the tartness of the lemon filling beautifully.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only enhance the presentation but also add a refreshing taste that pairs well with the lemon flavor.

Drizzled with a Berry Sauce

• Create a simple berry sauce by blending your favorite berries and drizzle it over the squares for an extra layer of flavor.

Accompanied by Herbal Tea

• Pair these squares with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, for a soothing dessert experience.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Squares

To ensure your Creamy Lemon Squares turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor compared to bottled options; it enhances the overall taste.
• Cool Completely: Allow the squares to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the squares after cooling allows them to firm up nicely, making them easier to cut and serve.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the filling is just set. Overbaking can lead to a tough texture.
• Use Proper Crust Technique: Press down firmly when creating your crust to avoid crumbling when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares can be complemented by several side dishes that balance their sweetness. Here are some great pairings:

1. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers freshness and balance against the rich creaminess of the squares.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast and enhances the lemon flavor with its sweetness.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a platter for an interesting savory-sweet combination alongside your dessert.

4. Chocolate Mousse
   The richness of chocolate mousse contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon flavors, making it an indulgent pairing.

5. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats add texture and tropical flavors that complement the citrus notes of the lemon squares nicely.

6. Pistachio Cookies
   Crunchy pistachio cookies serve as a delightful textural contrast while adding nutty flavors that work well with lemons.

7. Lemonade
   A refreshing glass of lemonade echoes the flavors in the dessert for those who enjoy citrus pairings.

8. Chilled Green Tea
   A glass of chilled green tea can cleanse the palate and is a light accompaniment to balance out the richness of the creamy filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy lemon squares, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not cooling the crust – Failing to let the crust cool completely can cause the filling to become runny. Always ensure the crust is cooled before adding the filling.
• Incorrect lemon juice measurement – Using too much or too little lemon juice can affect the flavor balance. Measure carefully for that perfect tangy taste.
• Overmixing the filling – Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the baked squares. Mix just until smooth for a perfect texture.
• Skipping parchment paper – Not lining your pan with parchment paper makes it difficult to remove the bars after baking. Always line the pan for easy removal.
• Cutting too soon – Cutting into the squares while they are still warm can lead to messy portions. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Creamy Lemon Squares

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Lemon Squares

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual squares on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place them on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about creamy lemon squares:

What are Creamy Lemon Squares?

Creamy lemon squares are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust filled with a sweet and tangy lemon custard.

How do I achieve a firmer filling?

To ensure your filling is firm, make sure you bake it until set and consider chilling it in the refrigerator after cooling at room temperature.

Can I customize my Creamy Lemon Squares?

Absolutely! You can add zest from lemons or even mix in other citrus juices like lime or orange for variety.

How should I store leftover Creamy Lemon Squares?

Leftover creamy lemon squares should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within five days.

Can I make these creamy lemon squares vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based condensed milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These creamy lemon squares offer a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their refreshing flavor makes them versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Feel free to experiment with different citrus flavors or toppings like whipped cream and fresh fruit!