Anne Sale’s Lemony Cream Cheese Squares

🍋🧀 Lemony Cream Cheese Squares 🍋🧀

Lemony Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty freshness of lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These squares are a popular treat enjoyed by many and are perfect for those who appreciate a balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Lemony Cream Cheese Squares is not well-documented, but it falls within the broader category of lemon-based desserts, which have been enjoyed for centuries. Lemon-flavored treats became particularly popular in the United States during the mid-20th century when ingredients like cream cheese became readily available and more affordable. This dessert likely evolved as a variation of lemon bars, combining the creaminess of cheesecake with the bright, citrusy taste of lemons.

🧁 Components:
To make Lemony Cream Cheese Squares, you’ll need the following components:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Lemon slices and zest for garnish (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish to create the crust.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is well combined and smooth.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to lightly brown, and the center is set.

5. Cool and Chill:

   • Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
   • Once cooled, refrigerate the squares for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.

6. Serve and Garnish:

   • Cut the chilled mixture into squares.
   • Optionally, garnish each square with lemon slices, lemon zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Lemony Cream Cheese Squares can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 20 minutes for preparation, 25-30 minutes for baking, and at least 2 hours for chilling. So, in total, you should allow for around 3 hours to have these delightful squares ready to serve.

Enjoy your Lemony Cream Cheese Squares! 🍋🧀😋

Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Lemony Cream Cheese Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):

• Calories: Around 280-320 calories per square (based on serving size and ingredients used).
• Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams, depending on ingredients.
  • Saturated Fat: Varies based on cream cheese and butter.
• Cholesterol: Roughly 50-70 mg.
• Sodium: Typically less than 200 mg per serving.
• Carbohydrates: About 30-35 grams.
  • Dietary Fiber: Minimal, as graham crackers are not very high in fiber.
  • Sugars: A significant portion of carbohydrates come from sugars due to sweetened condensed milk.
• Protein: Around 3-4 grams per serving.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Lemony Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful but indulgent dessert. They are relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar, so it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Fat Content: The fat content in this dessert primarily comes from cream cheese and butter. While fat is an essential nutrient, it’s essential to be mindful of your overall fat intake to maintain a healthy diet.

3. Sugar Content: The high sugar content is due to the sweetened condensed milk and sugar in the graham crackers. Excessive sugar intake can lead to various health issues, so consume sweets like this sparingly.

4. Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller portions to manage calorie and sugar intake if you’re watching your diet.

5. Customization: You can make healthier variations by using reduced-fat cream cheese, a sugar substitute, or whole wheat graham crackers. These adjustments can reduce the calorie and sugar content.

6. Balanced Diet: As with any treat, Lemony Cream Cheese Squares are best enjoyed as an occasional dessert within the context of a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Remember that the actual nutrition content may vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and use online nutritional calculators for precise information based on your recipe.