Park Avenue Squares
Park Avenue Squares are rich, nutty lemon-flavored bars with a dense texture, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the lemon cake mix with pudding, egg, melted margarine, and chopped nuts until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter. If you'd like to make it gluten-free, you can substitute the lemon cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. To enhance texture, feel free to replace chopped nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit. Always ensure to mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can affect the cake's fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Easy Caramel Breakfast Rolls during brunch or as a sweet finish to a dinner party.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Park Avenue Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer your squares warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Park Avenue Squares contains roughly 721 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as vanilla or yellow cake, for a different taste. Just keep in mind that using a different flavor may alter the overall sweetness and zestiness of the squares.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts and pecans are popular choices for adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. However, you can also use almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference. If nut allergies are a concern, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a tasty alternative.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Park Avenue Squares a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container. This can actually enhance the flavors as they sit. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
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).