Crisp bars with a cookie style crust and sweet lemony topping.
Lemon squares are a near-perfect dessert. They look fancy and elegant, taste fabulous, but are as easy to make as cookies. Simple enough for even a non-baker, this recipe can be relied upon for a fail-proof dessert. The tangy lemon flavor and bright yellow color make them a perfect choice for spring and summer.
Confectioner's vs. Granulated Sugar
Confectioner's sugar is granulated sugar that has been finely ground to a powdered form. The degree of fineness is labeled by X's. The more X's on the package, the finer the sugar. Ten-X sugar is commonly found in grocers. There is a small amount of cornstarch added to the sugar to keep it flowing. The cornstarch will add a slight thickness to sauces. Confectioner's sugar dissolves instantly, and is useful in recipes that don't require cooking, or for sprinkling atop baked goods. Other names for this product are powdered sugar or icing sugar.
Health Benefits of Lemons
This recipe falls into the treat category, and that means it's high in fat and calories. However, some guilt relief can be found in the health benefits of lemons. Among its many powers, the common lemon is known to lift spirits and depression, calm anxiety, improve memory, relieve menstrual cramps, dizziness, headaches and high blood pressure. It is also a diuretic, which is helpful for urinary tract infections, arthritis and infections among many other common ailments. Sipping a sqeeze of lemon in a glass of cold water can help cure hiccups, and many dieters start their day by drinking hot lemon water, which is especially useful before having a high-calorie dessert.
Lemon Squares Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 1/3 cups flour (divided use)
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease 9x12" square pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, splash of lemon, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add 2 cups flour and beat until blended.
- Spread evenly over bottom of prepared pan.
- Bake 20 minutes. Leave oven on.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and foamy.
- Add granulated sugar and beat until thick and blended.
- Add lemon juice, remaining 1/3 cup flour and baking powder.
- Beat until blended.
- Pour lemon mixture over baked crust and return to oven.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes until custard is set, and color is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with powdered sugar.
- Let Cool.
- To serve, cut into squares.
Makes about 12 squares. These bars can be served warm, cold or at room temperature according to your preference, but store leftovers in the refrigerator.
