INGREDIENTS:
CRUST:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup butter 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Salt
LEMON FILLING:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Salt
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
GREEK YOGURT:
- We use Greek yogurt to provide a slight tanginess to the lemon filling. As a substitute, you can use skyr.
HONEY:
- Honey is utilized to naturally sweeten the lemon squares. Alternatively, you can use date syrup.
OLIVE OIL:
- We add olive oil to include a subtle Mediterranean richness to the dessert. You may also use avocado oil as another option.
ALMOND FLOUR:
- Almond flour helps to create a tender crust with a light and nutty flavor. As an alternative, you can use oat flour or additional all-purpose flour.
CORNSTARCH:
- Cornstarch is used to thicken and stabilize the lemon filling for a smooth consistency. Instead, you can use tapioca starch.
LEMON JUICE:
- Lemon juice provides the signature bright texture and tangy flavor of these lemon squares. Alternatively, fresh lime juice can be used for a different citrus taste.
BUTTER:
- Butter is added to create a rich and tender crust with excellent texture. As another option, you can use vegan butter.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Warm the empty oven to 350° Fahrenheit and put the baking paper on a pan.
- Stir the melted butter, flour, vanilla, almond flour, honey, and salt in a dish till they are crumbly.
- Equally blend the crust mixture in a pan.
- Bake till it becomes slightly golden, for about twelve minutes.
- Mix the vanilla, eggs, cornstarch, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest.
- Spread the filling on the warm crust.
- Bake till the middle is perfectly set, for about eighteen minutes.
- Bring them out of the oven and fully cool them.
- Before making slices of the squares, chill these lemon squares for almost two hours.
- Garnish with lemon zest or powdered sugar and then serve them.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
DAIRY & CREAMY:
- Whipped Cream
- Greek Yogurt
- Vanilla Yogurt
- Mascarpone Cream
- Clotted Cream
- Crème Fraîche
- Lemon Yogurt
- Honey Yogurt
TOPPINGS:
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pine Nuts
- Candied Almonds
- Toasted Hazelnuts
- Sesame Brittle
DRIZZLES:
- Honey
- Berry Compote
- Raspberry Sauce
- Blueberry Sauce
- Lemon Curd
- Vanilla Sauce
- Orange Blossom Syrup
- Date Syrup
HOT DRINKS:
- Mint Tea
- Chamomile Tea
- Green Tea
- Earl Grey Tea
- English Breakfast Tea
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Latte
COLD DRINKS:
- Sparkling Water
- Lemon Mint Water
- Iced Tea
- Fresh Lemonade
- Orange Juice
- Pomegranate Juice
- Iced Coffee
- Fruit Spritzers
DESSERT:
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Lemon Sorbet
- Berry Sorbet
- Coconut Ice Cream
- Shortbread Cookies
- Almond Biscotti
- Butter Cookies
- Meringue Cookies
GARNISH:
- Lemon Zest
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Edible Flowers
- Powdered Sugar
- Candied Lemon Peel
- Micro Mint
- Pistachio Dust
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
TIPS:
- Avoid baking the filling for an extra time to retain a silky texture.
- Include a tbsp. of cream cheese in the filling to get an additional rich texture.
- Before cutting, completely refrigerate to make sharp and clean squares.
- We utilize freshly squeezed lemon juice for a perfect flavor.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Keep these lemon squares in a box for more than six days.
FREEZER:
- Store these lemon squares for longer than two months.
FAQs:
How can I prepare this dish vegan?
- Use coconut yogurt & vegan butter.
Why is my filling cracking?
Avoid overbaking or cooling right before baking.
How can I reduce sugar content?
- Use sugar-free syrup as a good alternative.
Should I utilize bottled lemon juice?
- Yes, although using fresh lemon juice will give you a perfect taste.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 185 kcal
Sodium: 90 mg
Net carbs: 20 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 13 g
Fats: 9 g
Proteins: 4 g
Portion Size: 1 square
Total carbs: 21.5 g
