Perfect Lemon Squares

Ingredients

• 1.33 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 0.25 cups ground almonds
• 0.5 cups softened butter
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 0.25 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 0.33 cups flaked coconut , Optional
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 0.25 cups lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Place 1 1/3 cups flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and the ground almonds in a mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and mix with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish.

3. 3

   Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   While the crust is baking, stir together the brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and the baking powder in a bowl. Add the eggs, coconut, lemon zest, and lemon juice; whisk until the sugars have dissolved; pour over the crust.

5. 5

   Return to the oven and bake until the lemon filling has firmed, about 15 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before cutting.