Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe

Do you love bright and sweet treats? This Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe is a classic.

It is a famous Southern dessert everyone loves. You can make it for any party. It tastes like fresh sunshine.

The crust is very buttery and rich. The lemon filling is tart and sweet. You will want more than one piece.

How to make Paula Deen Lemon Squares is very simple. This Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe will become your favorite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The flavor of these squares is amazing. It has a very bright lemon flavor. The sugar makes the citrus taste perfect. It is not too sour at all.

The texture is the best part. The bottom is a crunchy shortbread. The top is a soft custard layer. These two layers work well together. Every bite feels very light and airy.

This recipe is also very fast. You only need about one hour. Most of that time is for baking. You do not need fancy skills. It is perfect for new bakers.

It uses simple pantry items too. You likely have them in your kitchen. This makes it a great last-minute treat. Your friends will think you worked hard. But it is actually very easy.

Equipment List

Baking pan: You need a 9×13 inch pan. This size fits the recipe perfectly. It helps the crust bake evenly.

Mixing bowl: Use a medium bowl for the crust. Use a large bowl for the filling. Glass or metal bowls work great.

Electric mixer: This helps mix the butter and sugar. It makes the crust very fluffy. You can also use a fork.

Measuring cups: These are for the dry ingredients. You must measure the flour correctly. This keeps the crust from being dry.

Measuring spoons: Use these for the baking powder. Small amounts are very important here. It helps the lemon layer rise.

Whisk: You need a whisk for the eggs. It blends the filling until smooth. This removes any large air bubbles.

Sifter: This is for the powdered sugar. It makes the sugar look like snow. It also removes any hard lumps.

Oven mitts: These keep your hands safe and cool. The pan will be very hot. Always use them when moving the pan.

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe

All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crust. It also helps the filling stay firm. It provides a great structure.

Unsalted butter: Butter makes the crust taste rich. It should be at room temperature. This makes it easy to mix.

Powdered sugar: This sweetens the shortbread base. It is also used for the topping. It melts into the crust nicely.

Granulated sugar: This goes into the lemon filling. It balances the tart juice. It creates a beautiful sweet taste.

Large eggs: Eggs hold the filling together. They create a creamy custard texture. Use fresh eggs for best results.

Fresh lemon juice: This provides the main flavor. Fresh juice is better than bottled juice. It tastes much more crisp.

Baking powder: This helps the lemon layer lift. It keeps the filling from being flat. It makes the squares look pretty.

Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is good. It brings out the sweet flavors. It makes the lemon taste even better.

How to Assemble Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees now. Let it get nice and hot first. This ensures an even bake later.

Step 2:

Grease your baking pan with some butter. You can also use a baking spray. This stops the squares from sticking.

Step 3:

Combine the flour and powdered sugar together. Add the softened butter to the bowl. Use a mixer to blend them well.

Step 4:

Press the dough into the baking pan. Use your fingers to spread it out. Make sure the layer is even.

Step 5:

Place the pan in the hot oven. Bake the crust for twenty minutes. It should look a light golden brown.

Step 6:

Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar to the eggs. Mix them until they look very pale.

Step 7:

Pour in the fresh lemon juice now. Add the flour and baking powder too. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Step 8:

Take the hot crust out of the oven. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust. Do this while the crust is hot.

Step 9:

Put the pan back into the oven. Bake for another twenty-five minutes. The center should be mostly firm.

Step 10:

Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Let the squares cool on the counter. Cooling helps them set up perfectly.

Step 11:

Dust the top with extra powdered sugar. Use a sifter for a clean look. Cut them into small even squares.

Recipe Notes

• Use fresh lemons for the very best taste.
• Do not overbake the top lemon layer today.
• Let the squares cool before you cut them.
• Wipe your knife after every single cut made.
• Sift the flour to avoid any small lumps.
• Make sure the butter is soft before mixing.
• Add lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan corners.

How To Store Leftover

You should keep leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight plastic container. They will stay fresh for four days.

You can also freeze these lemon squares. Wrap them in plastic wrap very tightly. Then put them in a freezer bag.

They last for one month in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge before eating.

Sides & Pairings Suggestions

These squares go well with cold milk. You can also serve them with tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is nice.

Fresh raspberries add a very pretty touch. Some people like them with whipped cream.

They are perfect for a summer picnic lunch. Your guests will love this sweet treat. It pairs well with any light meal.

Nutritions

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210 kcal
Total Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	3g
Sugar	22g

FAQs about Paula Deen Lemon Squares Recipe

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this?

You can use bottled juice if needed. However, fresh juice tastes much better. It gives a brighter flavor to the squares.

Why is my lemon filling too runny?

You might need to bake it longer. Ensure the center does not jiggle much. Also, let them cool completely to set.

Can I make these squares gluten-free easily?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. Use a 1:1 baking flour blend. The texture might change a little bit.

How do I get clean square cuts?

Let the bars chill in the fridge first. Use a very sharp warm knife. This makes the edges look very professional.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes, you can add fresh lemon zest. Mix it into the liquid lemon filling. It adds a great zingy punch.

Final Thoughts

Making this recipe is a total joy. It is simple, sweet, and very tangy. Anyone can master this easy dessert quickly. It satisfies every sweet tooth at the party.

The Ingredients for Paula Deen Lemon Squares are cheap. You can find them at any store nearby. We hope you enjoy this classic treat today. Happy baking to you and your family!