Luscious Lemon Squares
Luscious lemon squares feature a buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling, perfect for citrus lovers and suitable for parties, brunches, or teatime treats.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup reduced-calorie tub margarine ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar.
- Cut the reduced-calorie tub margarine into the mixture until it is crumbly.
- Pat the dough into a 15 x 10-inch nonstick pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust until set, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your margarine is softened but not melted when mixing with the dry ingredients. If you don't have lemon juice on hand, you can substitute with more orange juice concentrate or use a mix of lime and lemon juice for a citrus twist. Consider using a gluten-free flour blend if you're looking for a gluten-free option. These luscious squares can be dusted with additional confectioners' sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions
These luscious lemon squares can be served as a refreshing dessert after a rich meal. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can also serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a different flavor profile, consider pairing them with fruit salads or yogurt parfaits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon squares, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luscious Lemon Squares contains roughly 423 calories, with 4g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 609mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular butter instead of reduced-calorie margarine?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for the reduced-calorie margarine, but it will affect the texture and flavor slightly. The butter will add richness, so you may want to adjust the sugar content to balance the sweetness.
How can I tell when the crust is baked properly?
The crust is done when it feels set to the touch and is lightly golden around the edges. It should not be overly brown. You can also perform a toothpick test; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs when inserted into the crust.
Can I add other flavors to the lemon squares?
Absolutely! You can incorporate different citrus zests like lime or orange to enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, adding a few drops of almond extract can provide a lovely twist, complementing the lemon nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).