Lemon squares

Lemon Squares Recipe – The Citrus Delight of Summer in Every Slice

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings a touch of freshness at any time of the day, then the Lemon Squares recipe is exactly what you need. These lemon-flavored bars with a creamy texture are perfect to enjoy with coffee or at a picnic. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:
- 250 g butter
- 125 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g flour
- 200 g roasted hazelnuts or other preferred nuts (walnuts, almonds)

For the lemon filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 125 ml fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 100 g flour

Preparation:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a square baking pan of about 20x20 cm by lining it with parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.

2. In a large bowl, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step will add a light and airy texture to the base of the cake.

3. Gradually incorporate the flour and roasted hazelnuts (or your preferred nuts/almonds) into the butter mixture. Mix with a spatula or mixer, but do not overmix to avoid developing gluten from the flour, which could make the cake denser.

4. Pour the obtained mixture into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the lemon filling. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color. Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing well. Finally, add the flour and mix until everything is homogeneous.

6. After the base is baked, pour the lemon filling over it and bake in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set and has a slight golden hue on the surface.

7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then cut it into squares or rectangles. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestion:
These Lemon Squares are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. An interesting variation would be to add some fresh mint leaves for an extra flavor boost.

Notes and useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, depending on your preferences, to add a unique touch.
- Always check the baking of the cake, as every oven is different. The filling should be firm but not dry.
- If you prefer less acidic desserts, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice or add a little extra sugar.

These Lemon Squares are perfect for bringing a smile to your loved ones' faces, and with every bite, you will enjoy the freshness of lemon. Savor each slice and enjoy the flavors of summer!