Lemon Squares III

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (187g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 12 tablespoons (170g)
• Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces (226g)
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
• Large eggs: 2
• Lemon juice: 1/3 cup (80ml)
• Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
• Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60g), for dusting

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30-35 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Cut in the cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
5. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
7. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.
9. Let the lemon squares cool completely before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and tangy lemon flavor
• Creamy and decadent filling
• Buttery and flaky crust
• Perfect for dessert or a special occasion

User Comments:

• "These lemon squares are absolutely divine! The perfect balance of sweet and tart."
• "The crust is so flaky and the filling is so creamy and delicious."
• "This recipe is effortless to follow and the results are restaurant-quality."
• "These lemon squares are always a hit with my family and friends."
• "I love the bright and tangy lemon flavor, especially in the summer."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make the lemon squares even more decadent, use a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese in the filling.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the crust.
• If the filling starts to puff up while baking, cover the pan with foil.
• Let the lemon squares cool completely before cutting into them to prevent them from breaking apart.