Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet sugar cookies, citrusy lemonade, and a crunchy crumble topping with this Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble recipe. This dessert highlights a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. With a soft cookie base, a tangy lemonade filling, and a crispy crumble, it’s bound to impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This easy-to-follow recipe produces a dessert that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly. The sugar cookie base is rich and buttery, while the lemonade filling adds a refreshing zing that brightens your palate. Topping it off with a crunchy crumble creates a delightful contrast, making each bite an exciting experience. Plus, this dessert is visually appealing, perfect for gatherings or special occasions!
Pro Tips for Making Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble
- Ensure your lemons are fresh for the best flavor in the lemonade filling.
- Using a food processor to mix the crumble topping can help achieve an even texture.
- Let the dessert cool completely before cutting to ensure clean squares and easier serving.
- For an extra sweet touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients before you start:
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemonade Filling:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until creamy.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Step 6: In another medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Step 7: Add the 3 large eggs one at a time to the lemon mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Step 8: Pour the lemonade filling over the cookie base in the baking pan.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup cold unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Step 10: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
- Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 12: Let it cool completely before cutting it into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with extra sugar before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I freeze the Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble?
Yes, you can freeze this dessert after baking. Ensure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly before freezing.
3. How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the lemonade filling to your taste preference.
5. Can I add fruits to the filling?
Yes, incorporating berries or thin slices of fruit can add a delicious twist to the lemonade filling!
Conclusion
This Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its blend of textures and vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect addition to any dessert table. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this dessert will quickly become a favorite for gatherings or just a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of sweet and tangy in each square!