Sunshine Lemon Slice Traybake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a burst of sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't! This Lemon Slice Traybake recipe is pure sunshine on a plate. Get ready for a tangy, zesty treat that'll knock your socks off.

Brief Overview

This lemon traybake recipe is inspired by classic lemon bars. But, it’s way easier to share or not, if you're feeling greedy! It hails from the baking traditions of good old blighty and sits perfectly in any afternoon tea baking .

A medium difficulty recipe, it'll take about 2 hours to whip up, yielding around 16 servings.

Main Benefits

Lemon desserts aren't just delicious; lemons are packed with vitamin C. This traybake is the perfect summer tea party food.

What makes this recipe special? The balance of sweet and sour, plus that amazing shortbread base.

Shortbread Base Bliss

Making a great shortbread base is critical for this recipe. It's a shortbread recipes base with a melt-in-your mouth texture. Always make sure to use cold butter.

This will prevent the base from becoming tough.

Zesty Lemon Curd Time

Lemon curd slice heaven awaits! This step brings the zing. We're talking fresh lemon juice and zest combined into a luscious, tangy dream.

Adding a lemon slice as decoration would be great. Cooking the lemon curd is where patience comes in handy.

Let's Talk Ingredients

For that divine shortbread, you’ll need flour, cold butter, and icing sugar. A pinch of salt is also a must!.

You also need to find great Lemon Cookies Recipes . Now, for that vibrant lemon curd, get your hands on lemons, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cornstarch.

Don’t forget butter for richness!

Baking Notes

Remember to chill your shortbread base before baking. It stops it from shrinking. Also, don't overbake the lemon desserts or the lemon curd slice filling.

You want a slight wobble for that perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Dust generously with icing sugar before slicing. Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of crème fraîche. It's a refreshing citrus desserts that everyone will love.

Getting Ready: Ingredients & Equipment for Your Lemon Slice

Ready to bake the most amazing Lemon Traybake Recipe ? Let's gather our bits and bobs. Honestly, good ingredients make all the difference.

Get yourself a brew, put on some tunes and let's get baking!

Main Ingredients: Lemon Love!

Right then, here’s what you need. Remember, it's all about that fresh, zingy flavour. Lemon desserts are the best kind, aren't they?

• Shortbread Base:
  • 225g (8 oz, 1 cup) cold, cubed unsalted butter. The colder, the better.
  • 55g (2 oz, 1/4 cup) icing sugar, plus extra for dusting.
  • 300g (10.5 oz, 2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour. Plain flour, nothing fancy.
  • A pinch of salt.
• Lemon Curd Filling:
  • 200g (7 oz, 1 cup) granulated sugar. Caster sugar works a treat too.
  • 4 large eggs. Free range if you can.
  • 175ml (6 fl oz, ¾ cup) fresh lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons). Freshly squeezed is essential . Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
  • Zest of 2 lemons. Go for unwaxed lemons if you can find them.
  • 115g (4 oz, ½ cup) unsalted butter, cubed. Again, good quality butter helps!
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch.
• For Dusting:
  • Icing sugar.

Quality check: For the lemons, give 'em a squeeze before you buy 'em. They should feel heavy and juicy. Avoid the ones that feel hard or light.

Remember to keep a lemon slice or two for serving.

Seasoning Notes: Zest is Best!

For this recipe, it's all about the lemon. Don't skimp on the zest! The zest carries SO much flavour. We are making citrus desserts after all!.

A combo of lemon zest and juice creates that perfect sweet tart balance. If you are looking for Lemon Cookies Recipes , maybe using Lime Zest as a substitute in this recipe can work as well! You know?

Feeling adventurous? A tiny pinch of sea salt in the lemon curd can enhance the sweetness. Swap lime for lemon for a twist.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Don't stress about having fancy gear. Less is more.

• 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Parchment paper. Stops things sticking.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand held). For the shortbread and lemon curd.
• Saucepan. For the lemon curd.
• Whisk. A good sturdy one.
• Lemon zester. Microplane zester is my go-to.
• Lemon juicer.
• Measuring spoons and cups.

Alternatives: Rolling pin for the shortbread base. Instead of an electric mixer, use a wooden spoon. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but it works! This sunshine lemon curd slice would be lovely for a Summer Tea Party Food !

Baking Notes : It's also a great item for Afternoon Tea Baking and goes well with Shortbread Recipes .

Sunshine Lemon Slice Traybake: A Zesty Delight

Honestly, who doesn't love a good lemon dessert ? This Sunshine Lemon Slice Traybake is seriously the bee's knees. It’s the perfect summer tea party food .

This lemon traybake recipe is a winner, perfect if you want to wow your friends or just treat yourself. It's a citrus desserts dream, a mix of tangy and sweet that hits all the right spots.

Prep Steps: The Key to Lemon Perfection

• Essential mise en place: Get everything ready before you start. Measure out your flour, cube that cold butter, and juice those lemons. Trust me, it saves time.

• Time saving organization tips: Line your baking pan with parchment paper. It’s a game changer for easy removal. Also, zest your lemons before you juice them. Easier, innit?

• Safety reminders: Just a quick one, be careful when zesting lemons. Those graters are sharp. No one wants a trip to A&E.

step-by-step: Lemon Bliss in Action

1. Shortbread Base Time : Mix 300g flour, 55g icing sugar, and a pinch of salt. Rub in 225g cold , cubed butter. It should look like breadcrumbs.
2. Press and Chill : Press into a lined 9x13 inch pan. Prick with a fork. Chill for 1 hour .
3. Bake the Base: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 minutes . It should be lightly golden.
4. Curd Creation : Whisk 200g sugar, 4 eggs, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a saucepan. Add 175ml lemon juice, lemon zest, and 115g butter.
5. Thicken the Curd: Cook over medium low heat, whisking constantly until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8- 10 minutes ). It’s ready when it looks like custard.
6. Assemble and Bake Again : Pour the lemon curd slice over the baked base. Bake for another 15- 20 minutes until set. The filling should still wobble slightly .
7. Cooling is Crucial: Let it cool completely in the pan. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours .
8. Dust and Serve : Dust with icing sugar before slicing. Enjoy your masterpiece of afternoon tea baking !

Pro Tips for a Perfect Lemon Slice

• Don’t overbake the curd. It will crack and be dry. A little wobble is good. Visual cues are your friend here.
• Strain the lemon curd. No lumps, just smooth, silky perfection.
• Cold butter is your best friend . Keeps the shortbread recipes tender and flaky. I had a funny experience when I first tried this, I was so impatient and didn't let it cool, it was a mess! Lesson learned. This is why patience is a virtue.

A perfectly tart Lemon Slice Traybake and a lemon slice sitting in a glass of iced tea. Could it be any more summery? If you’re feeling fancy, try this lemon cookies recipes variation.

For lemon dessert recipes , this one truly takes the cake…err, slice. Happy baking, my friends! I hope you love this lemon curd slice as much as I do! And don't forget to check baking notes , a happy baker make happy foods.

Recipe Notes for the Best Sunshine Lemon Slice Traybake

Alright, so you're ready to tackle my Sunshine Lemon Traybake Recipe . Ace! Here are some extra bits of info to help you nail it.

Honestly, these are things I've learned from making it a gazillion times. Plus, it's perfect Summer Tea Party Food .

Serving Ideas: Plating Like a Pro

First impressions count, right? Think about how you wanna present this Lemon Dessert Recipes . I love dusting it generously with icing sugar.

Then adding a lemon slice on each square. It just elevates it! You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair this citrus desserts traybake with some iced tea. Or even a Lemonade . Honestly, whatever you fancy.

It's your show!

Storing Your Sunshine Slice

So, you've managed not to eat the entire traybake in one go. Well done, seriously! Now what? Leftovers will happily live in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Just pop it in an airtight container. Fancy planning ahead? This Lemon Curd Slice freezes beautifully. Cut it into squares, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to a month.

When you're ready to tuck in, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. I suggest avoiding microwaving. It can get a bit soggy.

Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? I get it, sometimes you just need a little twist. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free Shortbread Recipes flour blend.

Boom! Sorted! Or, switch things up with lime or orange. A lime traybake is awesome too. Perfect when you get a craving for Lemon Cookies Recipes .

Nutrition Lowdown

Ok, so let's be real. This Sunshine Lemon Desserts traybake isn't exactly a health food. But hey, it's good for the soul! Each serving is around 350-400 calories.

Also, it has around 4g of protein, 20-25g of fat, and 40-45g of carbohydrates and of this carbohydrate count, around 25-30g are from sugar.

But those lemon will provide a good amount of Vitamin C. Perfect for Afternoon Tea Baking !

Last Baking Notes

Honestly, this Lemon Traybake Recipe is easier than it looks. So don't be scared. Follow the steps, trust your instincts.

And you'll end up with the most amazing traybake. Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes.

You got this!.