Healthy Lemon Squares - Cooking Light

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lighter Lemon Squares

Refreshingly tangy and buttery-crisp ... somehow the puckery citrus makes a good lemon square seem lighter than it really is. Typical recipes call for a full cup of butter and 1½ pounds of sugar—adding up to more than 300 calories in one little square.

Lightening was tricky but, luckily, our mission was accomplished. We created a healthier, lighter lemon square that retains the flavor and soul of the original.

Classic
• 319 calories per square
• 6.3 grams saturated fat
• 11 grams total fat

Makeover
• 124 calories per square
• 1.3 grams saturated fat
• 5 grams total fat

View Recipe: Lemon Squares

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemon Bar Tip #1: Butter/Canola Oil Combo

We sub heart-healthy canola oil for some of the butter to save 5 grams of saturated fat per serving.

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemon Bar Tip #2: Less Sugar

We reduce the sugar by two-thirds and cut another 95 calories per serving.

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemon Bar Tip #3: Pine Nuts

Toasted pine nuts impart a delightful roasted flavor and irresistible crunch to our shortbread crust. Expensive, but we don't use a lot. Buy them in bulk, and keep them stored in your freezer.

View Recipe: Lemon Squares

Lemon Squares: Recipe Makeover

Lighter Lemon Squares

Lemon Bar Tip #1: Butter/Canola Oil Combo

Lemon Bar Tip #2: Less Sugar

Lemon Bar Tip #3: Pine Nuts