Creamy Lemon Squares

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by Lucille

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Creamy Lemon Squares

These Creamy Lemon Squares are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. With their refreshing lemon flavor and creamy texture, they are sure to brighten your day. These squares are easy to make, and their zesty sweetness will leave everyone wanting more!

Creamy Lemon Squares
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in no time.
  • Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice creates a uniquely creamy and tangy taste.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these squares chilled or at room temperature; they’re great for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet end to your meal.
  • Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools and equipment you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Food processor
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

  • Food processor: This tool makes quick work of crushing the grachicken chicken ham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
  • 8-inch square baking pan: Perfect size for achieving even baking and getting those ideal square shapes when cutting your lemon treats.
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Ingredients

To make these delicious creamy lemon squares, here’s what you will need:

For the Crust

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 24 squares grachicken chicken ham crackers
  • ¼ cup of sugar

For the Filling

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 can (12oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup of lemon juice

How to Make Creamy Lemon Squares

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Butter and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging on two sides; this will help you remove the creamy lemon squares later.

Step 3: Make the Crust

Break up the grachicken chicken ham crackers. Add them to a food processor:
1. Pulse until crumbled.
2. Add sugar and melted butter.
3. Pulse again until well combined.

Step 4: Press the Crust Mixture

Add this crumble mixture to your prepared pan:
1. Press it firmly into the bottom and about an inch up the sides of the pan to create a crust.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Filling

While the crust cools, prepare your filling:
1. In a mixing bowl, add condensed milk and egg yolks.
2. Whisk until smooth (you can use an electric mixer or whisk).
3. Stir in fresh lemon juice until well combined.

Step 7: Bake Again

Once cooled, pour this creamy lemon filling into your grachicken chicken ham cracker crust:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for another 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set and crust is browned.
2. Let it cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.

You may also refrigerate the lemon squares after they reach room temperature; chilling makes them firmer.

Finally, remove from the pan using parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into either 16 mini squares or 9 larger ones as desired! Enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Squares!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with some thoughtful serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Fresh Berries

  • Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, strawberries complement the tartness of the lemon.
  • Blueberries: Their subtle sweetness adds a nice balance to the zesty squares.
  • Raspberries: The slight tartness of raspberries enhances the lemon flavor.

Add a Scoop of Sorbet

  • Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon sorbet that echoes the flavors of your lemon squares.
  • Raspberry Sorbet: The berry flavor pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.

Drizzle with Fruit Sauce

  • Berry Sauce: A homemade sauce made from simmered berries adds a vibrant color and flavor contrast.
  • Passion Fruit Sauce: This exotic fruit sauce can add an unforgettable tangy taste.

Garnish with Mint

  • Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint not only adds color but also a refreshing aroma that complements the dessert.

How to Perfect Creamy Lemon Squares

Achieving the perfect Creamy Lemon Squares requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for making them just right.

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, fresher taste than bottled options.
  • Cool Completely: Allowing your squares to cool completely ensures they set properly and are easier to cut.
  • Line Your Pan Well: Using parchment paper helps remove the squares easily without breaking them.
  • Avoid Overmixing: When whisking the filling, overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

  1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds richness and balances the tartness of the lemon.
  2. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a contrasting texture and sweetness.
  3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and bright flavors alongside your dessert.
  4. Pistachio Crumble: The nutty crunch of pistachios creates an interesting texture contrast with creamy squares.
  5. Chia Seed Pudding: A light pudding makes for a healthy pairing that complements the citrus flavor.
  6. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides decadence that contrasts nicely with the zesty lemon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Lemon Squares is a delightful process, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

  • Skipping the cooling step: Always let the crust cool completely before adding the filling. This helps maintain the texture and prevents sogginess.
  • Not measuring accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients, especially lemon juice and condensed milk, ensures the right balance of flavors and textures.
  • Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling instead of a creamy texture.
  • Using stale crackers: Fresh grachicken chicken ham crackers make a better crust. Check the expiration date to ensure they’re crisp and flavorful.
  • Ignoring refrigeration: For firmer squares, refrigerate after baking. This enhances the texture and makes cutting easier.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store your Creamy Lemon Squares in an airtight container.
  • They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Lemon Squares

  • Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
  • Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Lemon Squares

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until slightly warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat one square at a time for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
  • Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Creamy Lemon Squares?

Creamy Lemon Squares are a delicious dessert made with a buttery crumb crust and a smooth, tangy lemon filling. They provide a refreshing burst of flavor.

How long do Creamy Lemon Squares last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Creamy Lemon Squares can last up to 5 days. If frozen, they remain good for about 2 months.

Can I customize Creamy Lemon Squares?

Yes! You can customize them by adding different citrus juices or zest for additional flavor or by using different types of crackers for the crust.

Are Creamy Lemon Squares gluten-free?

You can make gluten-free Creamy Lemon Squares by substituting traditional grachicken chicken ham crackers with gluten-free alternatives available in stores.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Lemon Squares are not only refreshingly tangy but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit. They’re perfect for any gathering or just as a treat for yourself! Enjoy making this delightful dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy Lemon Squares


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  • Author: Lucille
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 squares 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Creamy Lemon Squares, a refreshing dessert that brings a burst of zesty flavor to any occasion. With their luscious creamy filling made from sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice atop a buttery graham cracker crust, these squares are an irresistible treat for family gatherings and summer picnics alike. Simple to prepare, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will leave your taste buds craving more. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, and don’t forget to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra flair.


Ingredients

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  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 24 squares graham crackers
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 can (12 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a food processor, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Mix in melted butter and sugar until combined.
  4. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned; allow to cool.
  6. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth.
  7. Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set.
  8. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 40g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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