Gluten Free Lemon Squares Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my lemon squares soggy? ›

Underbaking: This is the most common reason for gooey lemon bars. The filling needs enough time to set, which can be tricky since oven temperatures can vary and the visual cues for doneness are subtle. Solution: Bake the bars until the filling is just set and no longer wobbles when you gently shake the pan.

Set a timer for 5 minutes after pulling the crust from the oven to ensure it doesn't cool too much—if the shortbread is allowed to reach room temperature, the uncooked lemon curd will slip off the top and pool in the bottom of the dish, turning your lemon bars upside down (sounds bananas until it happens to you!).

Lemon bars should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated in order to prevent bacterial growth or foodborne illness. The filling in lemon bars is made with eggs and can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it's kept in the danger zone (between 41 and 153 degrees F).

Why do my lemon bars look like scrambled eggs? If your lemon bars look like scrambled eggs, it's because you've overcooked them. The key to perfect lemon bars is to cook them until the filling is set, but not too long. You want the filling to be firm but still have a little bit of jiggle to it when you shake the pan.

Serving, Storing, and Freezing

Serving: Lemon bars are fine to keep out at room temperature for up to 6 hours or so. Storing: Store cooked lemon bars or leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store for up to 2 days. Make-Ahead: You can make lemon bars up to two days in advance.

This will keep them from spreading and becoming sticky. Can you rebake undercooked lemon bars? Results may vary, but it's worth a shot! Throw them back in the oven at the original temperature and rotate every 5 minutes until it appears done.

The crust forms when the sugar in the lemon bar mixture caramelizes and browns during baking, creating a slightly firm, crispy layer over the bars. The top crust isn't always visible, as we all enjoy sprinkling powdered sugar on top of the bars before serving.

If your lemon bars have a strong eggy taste/smell, it's likely due to the lemon curd being overbaked. Be sure to take the lemon bars out of the oven as soon as they're done. Your oven may also be running a little hot.

You will get6 bars with a little extra space for a sample for the cook, to taste for quality control. If 9" seem too long , cut in half and you will have a nice dozen. I spray my pans with oil so the food slips out easily, and I start by cutting the food in half; cut the halves in half; and so on.

Baked goods like lemon bars are acidic enough and contain enough fat and sugar,which exclude water from bacterial use, that there is no problem keeping them at room temperature for up to 24 hours; well wrapped.

How do chefs cut lemons? ›

For lemon wedges, it's best to start by cutting the lemon in half end to end, as seen above. After you cut the lemon in two, slice each half into three wedges. This is the crucial step. Using a chefs knife, cut the rib away from the center of each lemon wedge.

To Keep Powdered Sugar from Melting, Add Cornstarch

So go slow and be conservative with the amount of cornstarch you add. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for every 1/4 cup of powdered sugar used.

Yes, lemon bars freeze beautifully—they are even good frozen! To freeze the bars, let them cool completely and freeze the batch whole, covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, for up to three months.

Cover and store leftover lemon bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing Instructions: Lemon bars can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Cut the cooled bars (without confectioners' sugar topping) into squares, then place onto a baking sheet.

I am going out on a limb against popular opinions by saying, YES, it's okay to place your under baked or underdone cookies back into the oven for a second bake.

Undercooked lemon bars can be rebaked by placing them back in the oven for about five minutes. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can quickly become overcooked.

Lemons that have gone bad typically become very soft. They may become slimy, look shriveled, or contain visible mold. If your lemons display any of these signs, it's best to just toss them out.

Wrap up cut lemons.

You can refrigerate lemon halves and lemon slices in the fridge for five to seven days in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. You can also wrap the lemon wedges in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.