Mrs. Paradine’s Lemon Squares Recipe 🍋
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20-25 squares
Description:
This delightful recipe for lemon squares has been a cherished favorite for years, passed down through generations. Mrs. Paradine, an elderly friend of the family, shared this recipe with such warmth and fondness, and it has since become a beloved tradition. If you have a penchant for all things lemony, these squares will surely become a staple in your kitchen, beckoning you to make them time and time again.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (approx. 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 16 soda biscuits (or graham crackers)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Lemon Mixture:
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Crumb Mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, crumble the soda biscuits (or graham crackers) using your fingers until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Add the flour, brown sugar, and baking soda to the crumbled biscuits, and mix until evenly distributed.
-
Incorporate Butter and Coconut:
- Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the crumb mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- If desired, mix in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the crumb mixture.
-
Assemble the Squares:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8x8x2 inch baking pan.
- Take half of the crumb mixture and press it gently into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
-
Layer with Lemon Mixture:
- Spread the prepared lemon mixture evenly over the crumb layer in the baking pan.
-
Top with Remaining Crumb Mixture:
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the lemon layer, covering it completely.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the edges are set.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, carefully cut into squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy the delightful tangy sweetness of Mrs. Paradine’s Lemon Squares!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 361.7
- Fat Content: 14.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 22.7mg
- Sodium Content: 381mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 52g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 26.3g
- Protein Content: 6.2g
Recipe Keywords:
Dessert, Bar Cookie, Lemon, European, Quick & Easy, Oven
These lemon squares are a true delight, combining the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of the crumbly topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, Mrs. Paradine’s Lemon Squares are sure to impress!
