Zesty Lemon Bliss Squares
Indulge in these delightful Zesty Lemon Bliss Squares, perfect for any occasion! The vibrant lemon flavor shines through in each soft and chewy square, making them a refreshing dessert that your friends and family will absolutely love. Ideal for tea parties, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself, these lemon squares are easy to make and are sure to impress with their bright citrus taste. Enhance your dessert table and brighten your day with this amazing recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
margarine
6 tablespoons (softened)
sugar
1 2/3 cups (divided; 2/3 cup for topping)
eggs
2 (beaten)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or low-fat)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the beaten eggs and stir to combine until fully incorporated.
4
Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
7
Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
8
Grease and flour a 13x9x2 inch baking pan, then pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon topping by mixing the lemon juice and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
11
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately spoon the lemon juice mixture over the hot cake, spreading it evenly.
12
Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
13
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting into warm squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Bliss Squares?
They are delightful, soft, and chewy dessert squares featuring a vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for tea parties or potlucks.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients required: margarine, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 13x9x2 inch baking pan for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter to ensure the squares don't stick.
How long is the initial baking time?
The cake initially bakes for 25 minutes before the topping is added.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready for the topping.
Is the sugar used all at once?
No, the sugar is divided: a portion is used for the batter and 2/3 cup is reserved specifically for the lemon topping.
How do I make the lemon topping?
Mix 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 2/3 cup of sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
When should the lemon topping be applied?
Apply the topping immediately after removing the hot cake from the oven after its initial bake.
Do the squares go back into the oven after adding the topping?
Yes, return the cake to the oven for an additional 5 minutes after spreading the lemon topping.
Should the margarine be cold or room temperature?
The margarine should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
Do the eggs need to be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the two eggs should be beaten before being added to the creamed mixture.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour for the best texture.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk as specified in the ingredients.
Is salt mandatory in this recipe?
The 1/4 teaspoon of salt is listed as optional.
How many squares does this recipe make?
While the exact count depends on how you cut them, the 13x9 pan typically yields 12 to 24 squares.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What gives the squares their vanilla flavor?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Should I wait for the cake to cool before adding the topping?
No, you must spoon the lemon juice mixture over the hot cake immediately.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
When should I cut the squares?
Allow the cake to cool slightly after the final bake, then cut them into warm squares.
What is the texture of these lemon squares?
These squares are described as having a soft and chewy texture.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter is a common and suitable substitute for margarine in baking recipes like this.
What kind of baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of sifted baking powder.
Is there a specific way to mix the dry ingredients?
Yes, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How do I incorporate the milk?
Pour in the milk after adding the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Are these squares good for events?
Absolutely, they are noted as being ideal for tea parties, potlucks, and special occasions.
How much margarine is needed?
You will need 6 tablespoons of softened margarine.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include lemon cake, dessert, bars, citrus, easy recipes, sweet treats, baking, and squares.