Lemon Cheese Squares Recipe
Overview:
Lemon Cheese Squares are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially potlucks! Originating from the culinary expertise of Grace McKeown at University California, Davis, these squares strike the perfect balance between tangy lemon flavor and creamy cheesiness. They require a bit of patience, as they must be thoroughly chilled to achieve the ideal consistency for cutting. Let’s dive into the recipe and create these scrumptious squares!
- Category: Bar Cookie
- Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Cheese, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares
- Calories per serving: 153.5
- Nutritional Information per serving:
- Fat: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 141.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 14.7g
- Protein: 1.9g
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or Bourbon, for an extra kick!)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). |
| 2 | In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until well blended. |
| 3 | Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch glass baking dish, forming a crust layer. |
| 4 | In another large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. |
| 5 | Add the remaining 2 eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract (or Bourbon) to the cream cheese mixture, and blend until thoroughly combined. |
| 6 | Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. |
| 7 | Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is set and lightly golden. |
| 8 | Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool on a wire rack. |
| 9 | Once cooled, refrigerate the pan for at least 3 hours, or until the squares are very cold and firm. This step is crucial for easy slicing. |
| 10 | Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled squares into individual portions. |
| 11 | Serve the Lemon Cheese Squares cold and enjoy the tangy, creamy goodness! |
Recipe Notes:
- For a richer flavor, substitute vanilla extract with Bourbon in the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure the squares are thoroughly chilled before cutting to achieve clean, neat slices.
- Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
With their irresistible combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheese, these Lemon Cheese Squares are sure to become a new favorite among your family and friends. Whether you’re attending a potluck or simply craving a delicious dessert, whip up a batch of these squares and watch them disappear in no time! Enjoy the refreshing burst of citrus flavor in every bite. ๐
