Pucker Up Lemon Squares
Prepare to delight your taste buds with these irresistible Pucker Up Lemon Squares, a perfect treat thatโs sure to please any crowd. This recipe, brought to you by Love With Recipes, combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice with a buttery, crumbly crust to create a dessert that’s both zesty and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply craving a sweet and tart treat, these lemon squares are a quick and easy option that you can whip up in just about an hour. Letโs dive into the details!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when youโre ready to bake.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir these together until well mixed.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold, cut butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is key to achieving a crumbly, buttery texture for the crust.
- Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed and firmly pressed down to create a solid base.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
2. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This mixture will help thicken the lemon topping.
- Add 3 large eggs to the bowl, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. The zest adds a burst of lemony flavor, while the juice provides the tangy essence that defines these squares.
- Pour this lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust in the pan.
3. Bake:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The topping should be set and no longer jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan.
- Once baked, allow the lemon squares to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the topping to firm up further.
4. Serve:
- Once completely cooled, cut the lemon squares into approximately 30 pieces. Each square should have a delightful balance of tangy lemon topping and buttery crust.
- Enjoy these squares as a refreshing dessert or a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 88.9
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
- Cholesterol: 29.3 mg
- Sodium: 28.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.3 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 9.3 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
These Pucker Up Lemon Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that fits perfectly into any occasion. Whether youโre preparing a treat for a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment alone, these squares deliver a burst of citrusy flavor and a touch of sweetness thatโs hard to resist. Enjoy every tangy bite! ๐๐
