Lemon Squares (Soy, Fish and Nut-Free, Can Be Wheat and Milk-Free)

This is a modified recipe of one I found in Betty Crocker's New Cookbook. It is one I make a lot, and it is a family favorite. It's wonderful when you are looking for a dessert that reminds you of summer and that is not so heavy as something chocolatey. With the extra powdered sugar on top it makes a delightful mini-mess on your lips that will remind you of eating powdered donuts as a kid and just makes you smile (at least that's how it works for me). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Please note that this recipe is soy-free if you use all soy-free ingredients, is fish and nut-free and can be wheat and milk-free (see variations below).

Lemon Squares

1 Cup soy-free flour

(Double check labels!  I recommend an all-purpose flour, though, versus whole wheat)

½ Cup salted, full-fat butter, melted

¼ Cup powdered sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon baking powder

1/8 – ¼ teaspoon salt

2 eggs

Powdered sugar (for garnish)

1. Heat oven to 350^oF.


2. Mix flour, melted butter and ¼ Cup powdered sugar in an ungreased square pan (8x8 or 9x9) until a dough forms; press dough into bottom of pan, building up ½ inch edges.


3. Bake the crust for 20 minutes.


4. Beat remaining ingredients except extra powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy; pour over hot crust. (You can do this step by hand with a whisk, but you have to beat the mixture longer (nearly twice as long).)


5. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in the center.


6. Cool and dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Variations:

• Lime or Orange Squares: Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon.


• Wheat/Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour (such as King Arthur Brand) for the flour.


• Dairy/Milk-Free: Use Earth Balance Soy-Free Spread in place of the butter. I have not tried using olive or canola oil in place of the butter, but I find no reason that that should not be successful as well.

(This recipe was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)