Hello there, baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers! Today, we're embarking on a delightful culinary journey into the world of sweet and tangy delights. We're going to create Marzipan Lemon Squares that are bursting with zesty goodness. These treats are like sunshine on a plate, and I can't wait to share this recipe with you.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
For the Marzipan Topping:
- 1 cup marzipan
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Pop the crust into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Create the Lemon Filling
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until it's well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Your lemon filling will be bright and fragrant.
Step 5: Pour the Lemon Filling
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. It's like a lemony pool of deliciousness.
Step 6: Bake Again
- Pop it back into the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool It Down
- Let your lemon squares cool completely in the pan. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a bit.
Step 8: Marzipan Magic
- In a bowl, knead together the marzipan, powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until it's smooth and pliable. You're creating a layer of marzipan goodness to top your lemon squares.
Step 9: Add the Marzipan Topping
- Roll out the marzipan mixture into a thin layer, just slightly smaller than your pan. Gently place it on top of the cooled lemon filling.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift your lemon squares out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into squares or bars.
- Dust them with a little extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
There you have it, folks! Marzipan Lemon Squares that are not only beautiful to look at but also a burst of citrusy and almond goodness in every bite. They're perfect for dessert, a sweet treat, or sharing with friends and family.
Give this recipe a try, and let these Marzipan Lemon Squares brighten your day. Happy baking! 🍋🍰🌞