Lemon Custard Squares

My favorite flavor of ice cream as a kid was lemon custard. I made these bars as a tribute to those good old days. After researching buttermilk pie, lemon bars, chess pie and magic custard cake recipes for several hours, I decided to make these. Bright lemon, creamy custard and fresh strawberry hearts combine to make this week's treat.

Lemon Custard Squares

Makes 16 Squares

Inspired by Baking Bites

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. lemon extract

Filling:

3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

4 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. lemon extract

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 cups buttermilk

lemon zest from 2 large lemons

strawberries, cut into small heart shapes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.

3. In a stand mixer bowl with paddle cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat flour and salt until mixture is crumbly. Press into baking pan.

4. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare filling.

5. In stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, combine sugar, flour, salt, eggs, vanilla, lemon extract, melted butter, buttermilk and lemon zest until smooth.

6. Pour into hot crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is set. Cool on wire rack. Chill in refrigerator. Slice into squares. Top with strawberries or other fresh fruit.