Lemon Basil Squares
A fresh take on a traditional favorite, lemon basil squares have that tart sweetness you crave from your grandmother's lemon squares plus a bright hint of basil that just sings spring!
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Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ¼ C flour
- ¼ C sugar
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 ½ sticks butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Filling
- ¼ C flour
- ¾ sugar
- 4 eggs
- ⅓ C lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoon finely chopped basil
- confectioner's sugar lemon zest, and extra basil leaves to top
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350 degrees F.
Crust
- Butter the bottom and sides of 9x9 baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt, butter, and lemon zest. Pulse or mix until the mixture is crumbly and resembles wet sand.
- Put the mixture in the 9x9 pan and press it evenly around the pan to create a crust.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until it is golden brown and firm.
Filling
- While the crust is baking, whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and basil.
- Pour over the baked crust. Use a fork to make sure the basil is evenly distributed over the crust.
- Bake again for another 20-30 minutes until the filling is just set.
- Filling will continue to set as the dessert cools to room temperature.
- Dust generously with confectioner's sugar and cut dessert into squares.
- Garnish with lemon zest and basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
Make sure you whisk constantly while adding the lemon juice. Its acid will "cook" the eggs if you are not careful.