Creamy Lemon Squares
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large egg yolks
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lemon slices or zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed cup to pack it tightly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the Lemon Squares:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from the oven and let the lemon squares cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Lemon Squares:
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled lemon squares. Use a spatula to create swirls or peaks, if desired.
- Garnish with lemon slices or zest, if using.
- Serve:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon squares out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Tips:
- For a thicker crust, you can increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs to 2 cups.
- To make the lemon flavor more intense, you can add more lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice.
- For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk and light whipped topping.