Martha Otto'S Lemon Squares
Lemon squares feature a buttery crust topped with tangy lemon filling, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus flavor. Ideal for dessert lovers and citrus enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend together flour, butter, and confectioners sugar to form a dough for the crust.
- Press the dough into an ungreased 9x13-inch pan, packing it down into an even crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, beat the eggs with a fork.
- Add granulated sugar, salt, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder to the eggs and mix well.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Dust with confectioners sugar before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh lemon zest in addition to the lemon juice. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. If you're out of confectioners sugar, blend granulated sugar in a blender until fine. Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon squares are delightful served chilled straight from the refrigerator. For an added touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with Creamed Mashed Potatoes as a refreshing dessert after a savory meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the lemon squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. For a firmer texture, let them chill in the fridge for a few hours before cutting. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Otto'S Lemon Squares contains roughly 310 calories, with 2g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 795mg per serving (35% 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 bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be aware that it may not have the same bright taste as fresh lemons, so adjust the quantity to your preference.
What can I do if my lemon squares are too runny?
If your lemon squares turn out runny, it may be due to underbaking. Ensure you bake the lemon topping until it's just set and lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before cutting, as they will firm up as they chill.
How can I make these lemon squares more tart?
To increase the tartness of your lemon squares, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or include some lemon zest for an additional punch of flavor. Adjust the sugar slightly if needed to balance the acidity.
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).