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Creamy Lemon Custard Squares
Bright, velvety, and refreshingly smooth—these Creamy Lemon Custard Squares are a bakery-style dessert with a buttery crust, silky custard center, and glossy lemon topping. They combine the richness of cheesecake, the tenderness of custard, and the vibrant zing of lemon curd. Perfect for elegant celebrations, afternoon tea, or holiday dessert tables, these squares look impressive yet are surprisingly simple to make. Each bite brings a delightful harmony of creamy, sweet, and citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Buttery Base:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup powdered sugar
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¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Creamy Custard Layer:
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2 cups whole milk
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Glossy Lemon Topping:
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¾ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 cup water
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½ cup sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 egg yolks
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for stronger flavor)
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Directions
1. Prepare the Buttery Base:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour. Stir until a dough-like mixture forms.
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Press firmly into the bottom of a lined baking pan (8×8-inch or similar).
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Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Make the Custard Filling:
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In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sweetened condensed milk, cornstarch, and sugar.
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Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick, smooth, and creamy. It should resemble a thick pudding texture.
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Pour the custard evenly over the baked crust. Smooth the surface and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Lemon Layer:
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In a clean saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well to dissolve lumps.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring until it begins to thicken.
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Whisk in egg yolks quickly, then add butter and lemon zest.
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Cook 1 more minute until glossy and smooth.
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Gently pour the lemon mixture over the custard layer, spreading evenly.
4. Chill and Serve:
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Refrigerate the layered dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Once fully set, slice into squares using a sharp knife.
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For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled with whipped cream and fresh berries.
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Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
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Perfect for teatime, celebrations, Ramadan gatherings, or as a refreshing summer dessert.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Custard Squares offer a perfect balance of texture and taste—crisp buttery base, smooth velvety custard, and a sweet-tart lemon glaze that brings everything alive. They’re elegant, rich without being heavy, and look as impressive as they taste. Whether you’re hosting guests, preparing a dessert tray, or simply craving something luxurious and refreshing, this dessert always delivers sunshine on a plate.
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