Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Lemon Squares




When I saw Lavanya's Lemon Squares two weeks ago, I knew then I was going to love those and would bake them myself. Besides Lavanya, another recipe created by Carole Clements (cook's companion) has inspired me to adjust the recipe.
The balance of sweet and sour makes "Lemon Squares" a favourite tea treat for all. To ensure the crust crumble, it is important to have it pre-baked before adding the lemon filling.

Hazelnut CrustLemon Layer
  • 80 g German #405 flour
  • 20 g Icing sugar
  • 60 g Hazelnut, ground
  • Pinch of salt
  • 100 g Unsalted cold butter, diced
  • 2 Eggs
  • 100 g Sugar
  • 60 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon rind, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp German #405 flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Lightly grease a 20x25 cm baking dish. Sift the flour, icing sugar, ground hazelnut and salt into a mixing bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. Mix with a fork until the mixture forms a ball. Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish and bake until light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. Beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the lemon juice and zest and stir to combine. Mix together the flour and baking powder and add into the lemon mixture. Fold to combine.
  3. Pour the filling over the shortbread crust and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the filling is set. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Cut into 5x5 cm squares and dust with icing sugar.



22 comments:

  1. Wow, that looks and sounds really delicious. I love both hazelnuts and lemons, I'll definitely keep this one and try it myself.

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  2. It looks great ! And the lemon flavor ... yammy ! I have to try it ;)

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  3. They look so so yummy i love the tangy and sweet taste, when one is having these.

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  4. These look very delish Angie! You brought back a funny memory of when I managed an assisted living kitchen in Texas, and how the elderly love their lemon bars, and I too look forward to that dessert as well! Tangy smiles all around!

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  5. wow love the hazelnuts inside and adore lemon bars, I bet yours was just right they always make it too sweet in america for me, lol Rebecca

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  6. The hazelnuts are a really interesting and exciting touch. Lemon squares are always popular around here!

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  7. @Dajana, Ala Oancean, Happy cook, Chef E, Chow and Chatter, Fearless Kitchen

    Thank you, my dear friends.....

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  8. LOVE lemon squars! such a refreshing treat ;)

    thanks so much for sharing!

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  9. I have no idea what German flour 405 is but these lemon squares sure look delicious.

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  10. The hazelnut crust sounds great! I love lemon treats and desserts.

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  11. I love me a good lemon bar, and these sound incredible! Lemon is so great in desserts!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Thats a good desert...your lemon squares are more tempting me than mine ...delicious lemon squares!!
    Thank you for mentioning my name angie :)

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  13. What sweet, refreshing treats these are, Angie! They look really good with the crumbly hazelnut crust.

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  14. Anonymous3/6/09 03:11

    omg...with HAZELNUT crust?!!! be still, my heart!

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  15. Angie...sorry for my ignorance...what is German flour?

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  16. @Lavanya
    It's MY pleasure! ;-)
    @Shannon,lisaiscooking,finsmom,burpandslurp,reeni
    Thank you very much for coming over!!!
    @Ivy, Beachlover's Kitchen
    German flour type 405 has 10% in protein, a normal white flour can be instead.

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  17. These really do look amazing! I love lemon desserts in the summertime - the deceivingly taste so light and refreshing!

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  18. cake with lemon flavor, it's sound sweet and tasty, nice dessert!

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  19. Anonymous3/6/09 15:32

    Yum, those look scrumptious, love the hazelnut here!

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  20. What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Your treat looks tasty and I am so very sad I don't have one to try. Well Done!

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  21. pictures are awsome.. my kids gonna love these treats yumm!! thnx angie.. you are the best :D

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  22. The hazelnut crust on these squares mustbe so delicious and work so well with the lemon flavor!

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