Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe

Welcome to a zesty delight that will tantalize your taste buds – the Delightful Tangy Lemon Squares! These bars are the perfect harmony of tangy lemon goodness and buttery, crumbly crust that will have you reaching for seconds. With just the right amount of sweetness and a burst of citrus in every bite, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

In these Delightful Tangy Lemon Squares, the magic lies in the meticulous balance of flavors and textures. From the citrus-kissed shortbread base to the smooth and luscious lemon topping, every bite is a symphony of taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, mastering the art of these lemon squares will make you a dessert superstar in no time.

So, roll up your sleeves, zest those lemons, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these Delightful Tangy Lemon Squares. Perfect for a sweet treat after dinner or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, these bars are sure to become a fast favorite.

Quick Benefits

Bursting with zesty lemon flavor
Perfect balance of crumbly crust and smooth lemon topping
Suitable for both special occasions and everyday indulgence
Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 4 months

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe Recipe

The perfect balance of zesty lemon and sweet shortbread crust will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy to make with simple ingredients, making it a great go-to dessert for any occasion.
The smooth lemon topping sets beautifully and adds a refreshing citrus punch.
Ideal for those who prefer desserts that aren’t overly sweet but still pack a flavorful punch.
Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 4 months, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you want.
Versatile recipe – you can switch things up by using other citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe

Crust

Zest from 1 big lemon
¼ cup white sugar
12 tbsp (1½ sticks) soft unsalted butter
½ teaspoon sea salt
1¾ cups regular flour

Filling

4 big eggs at room temp
1½ cups white sugar
5 big lemons (grab one from what you used for the crust)
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅓ cup regular flour

Topping

Extra fine sugar for sprinkling

Pro Tips for Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe

To achieve the perfect tangy lemon squares, ensure that you thoroughly soak the sugar with lemon zest to infuse the crust with a delightful citrus flavor. Additionally, pay close attention to the baking time and temperature to achieve that ideal balance between a crumbly base and a smooth lemon topping. Let the bars cool properly before cutting into squares to ensure a clean and neat presentation.

For a refreshing twist, experiment with different citrus fruits like limes or oranges to create unique variations of these lemon squares. Remember to adjust the sugar and zest quantities accordingly to maintain the right balance of flavors. By paying attention to these small details and making thoughtful adjustments, you can elevate this classic recipe into a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert option.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment strips. Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature.

Step 2: Crust Time

Combine sugar and lemon zest, mix in butter and salt until fluffy. Add flour and mix until crumbly. Press mixture into pan and bake for 15-22 minutes, or until slightly golden.

Step 3: Whip Up Filling

Beat eggs with lemon zest, then add lemon juice, sugar, salt, and sifted flour until smooth.

Step 4: Into The Oven

Spread the filling over the warm crust and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the center barely jiggles.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow to cool for an hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours. Cut into 16 squares and dust with fine sugar before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Tangy Lemon Squares, place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. These bars can be stored this way for up to a week, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delicious flavor. When storing in the fridge, it’s best to avoid stacking the bars to prevent them from sticking together.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Lemon Squares by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Lemon Squares can last for up to 4 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour or leave them out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Remember not to sprinkle powdered sugar on top until you are ready to serve the bars to maintain their texture and appearance. Proper storage will help preserve the quality of these delightful lemon treats for future enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a flavor variation, you can substitute the lemons in this recipe with other citrus fruits such as limes or oranges. Limes will provide a tangy and slightly different flavor profile, while oranges will offer a sweeter and more mellow citrus taste. Adjust the sugar quantity according to the tartness of the citrus fruit you choose to ensure the right balance of sweetness in the lemon bars.

If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace the regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free. Almond flour will add a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the crust, which can complement the lemon topping nicely. Just be mindful of the moisture content and adjust accordingly to achieve the desired consistency for the crust.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting these delightful tangy lemon squares on a dessert platter garnished with a variety of citrus fruits like sliced oranges, grapefruits, and blood oranges. The vibrant colors and complementary flavors will enhance the zesty lemon bars and create a visually appealing presentation for your guests to enjoy.

Another serving idea is to sprinkle a light dusting of extra fine sugar over the lemon squares just before serving. This added touch will provide a sweet crunch and a hint of sparkle that elevates the texture and taste of the bars, making them even more irresistible. Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.

FAQs for Zesty Lemon Squares Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe so you can control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate.

How do I know when the lemon bars are properly cooled?

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares. You can also place them in the fridge for a couple of hours to help them set further.

Can I substitute lemons with other citrus fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lime, orange, or even grapefruit to create different citrus-flavored bars. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels according to the tartness of the fruit you choose.

Why is it important to add the powdered sugar right before serving?

Adding powdered sugar right before serving helps maintain its light texture and prevents it from being absorbed into the bars, ensuring a fresh and appealing presentation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Delightful Tangy Lemon Squares are a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors that will brighten up any occasion. By following the recipe closely and paying attention to the details, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible lemon bars that are sure to impress your family and friends.

So don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these Delightful Tangy Lemon Squares and let their zesty goodness bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat for a summer picnic or a delightful dessert to accompany your morning coffee, these lemon squares are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!

“Zesty lemon squares with a crumbly shortbread base and a smooth citrus topping – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings16 Servings (16 bars)

Ingredients

Crust

Zest from 1 big lemon
¼ cup white sugar
12 tbsp (1½ sticks) soft unsalted butter
½ teaspoon sea salt
1¾ cups regular flour

Filling

4 big eggs at room temp
1½ cups white sugar
5 big lemons (grab one from what you used for the crust)
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅓ cup regular flour

Topping

Extra fine sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Get Ready: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment strips. Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature.
Crust Time: Combine sugar and lemon zest, mix in butter and salt until fluffy. Add flour and mix until crumbly. Press mixture into pan and bake for 15-22 minutes, or until slightly golden.
Whip Up Filling: Beat eggs with lemon zest, then add lemon juice, sugar, salt, and sifted flour until smooth.
Into The Oven: Spread the filling over the warm crust and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the center barely jiggles.
Rest And Serve: Allow to cool for an hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours. Cut into 16 squares and dust with fine sugar before serving.