Sure thing! Get ready to indulge in the delightful experience of making and savoring Buttery Lemon Squares, a heavenly creation that perfectly balances the zesty tang of lemon with the rich, buttery goodness of a classic cookie. ππͺ
Buttery Lemon Squares Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Butter and flour a 9- by 13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture, beating continuously until the dough is well mixed and comes together.
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Form Dough: Once the dough forms, pat it into a ball for easier handling.
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Press Into Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom, creating a firm and uniform crust.
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Bake Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust until it turns a light golden brown, typically about 20 minutes.
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Prepare Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, remaining 1/3 cup of flour, baking powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Blend or mix until the ingredients are well combined into a smooth, lemony mixture.
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Pour Filling Over Crust: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. The heat will help the filling set properly.
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Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake the lemon squares until the filling is no longer runny in the center. This usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the squares are ready.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once fully baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust the top of the lemon squares with the remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
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Cool and Serve: Let the Buttery Lemon Squares cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes to allow them to set completely.
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Slice and Store: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squares into 24 equal portions. Serve them immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, they can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 202.2
- Total Fat: 8.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 55.6mg
- Sodium: 81.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 19.9g
- Protein: 2.4g
These Buttery Lemon Squares are a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With their irresistible combination of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, they’re sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of citrusy flavor in every bite!
