Lemon Molasses Squares offer a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors that make for a truly unique dessert experience. This recipe, hailing from a vintage recipe box (VRP 016), showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of home bakers who often combined unexpected ingredients to create something special. The fusion of lemon peel with molasses is particularly intriguing, as it brings together the bright, citrusy notes of lemon with the deep, rich sweetness of molasses. These bars perfectly exemplify how old-fashioned recipes can surprise us with their bold flavor combinations.
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Lemon Molasses Squares
The History Behind Lemon Molasses Squares
The combination of lemon and molasses in this recipe is a testament to the innovative spirit of home bakers, particularly during times when resourcefulness in the kitchen was key. Molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, has a long history in American baking, especially in recipes from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often used as a sweetener in place of sugar, especially in areas where sugar was more expensive or less readily available. Its rich, robust flavor made it a popular ingredient in a variety of baked goods, from cookies to breads and cakes.
Lemon, on the other hand, brings a bright, fresh contrast to the deep flavor of molasses. The use of lemon peel in baking dates back centuries, with lemon being prized for its ability to add a fresh, citrusy note to both sweet and savory dishes. In this recipe, the grated lemon peel adds a fragrant, zesty note that lightens the richness of the molasses, creating a well-balanced dessert.
Ready for a burst of sunshine on a plate? Dive into our ultimate guide on lemon bars—their tangy history, drool-worthy recipes, and tips to make them perfectly zesty every time!
Timeline of Lemon Molasses Squares
- 1800s: Molasses becomes a staple in American kitchens, used in various baked goods as a primary sweetener. Lemon also gains popularity as a flavoring agent in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Early 1900s: Recipes combining citrus with deeper flavors like molasses begin to appear in community cookbooks, showcasing the creativity of home bakers.
- Mid-1900s: Lemon Molasses Squares likely originated during this time, as the combination of these ingredients became more common in home baking.
- Today: This vintage recipe remains a delightful discovery for those who enjoy exploring the unique flavor combinations of the past.
Recipe Discussion
Lemon Molasses Squares are a unique treat that brings together a variety of textures and flavors. The base of the squares is made from a combination of flour, crushed whole wheat flakes, and a rich molasses batter. The use of whole wheat flakes adds a slight crunch and a bit of earthiness to the squares, making them more complex and interesting. The molasses gives the bars a deep, almost caramel-like sweetness that is beautifully offset by the brightness of the grated lemon peel.
The inclusion of baking powder and baking soda ensures that these bars rise nicely, creating a light, tender texture that contrasts well with the rich flavors. The lemon peel not only adds flavor but also a subtle fragrance, making these bars as pleasing to smell as they are to taste. The result is a dessert that is both comforting and refreshing, with each bite offering a mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes thanks to the cinnamon.
Preparation Tips
- Creaming the Ingredients: When creaming the shortening, sugar, and lemon peel, make sure the mixture is light and fluffy before adding the egg and molasses. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the final product.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together ensures that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing any clumps and ensuring even rising.
- Adding Wheat Flakes: The wheat flakes should be crushed just enough to add texture without overpowering the bars. You can crush them using a rolling pin or simply with your hands.
- Baking: Keep an eye on the squares as they bake, checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. The edges should be slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- 8″ x 12″ Baking Pan: A good-quality, non-stick baking pan is essential for ensuring your Lemon Molasses Squares bake evenly and release easily. Look for a pan with a non-stick coating or use parchment paper to line the bottom.
- Electric Hand Mixer: For creaming the sugar, lemon peel, and shortening to perfection, an electric hand mixer is a time-saver. It ensures your ingredients are well-blended and helps achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Fine Grater: A fine grater or microplane is perfect for grating lemon peel. It allows you to get just the zest without any of the bitter pith, maximizing the lemon flavor in your squares.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Molasses Squares are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With a Cup of Tea: These squares make a perfect afternoon treat when served with a hot cup of tea. The lemony flavor pairs beautifully with both black and green teas.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Serve these squares as part of a breakfast spread. They’re a delightful alternative to muffins or scones and pair well with coffee.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Top each square with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a more indulgent dessert. The creaminess adds a luxurious touch to the bars’ bright, tangy flavor.
July 23rd is National Lemon Day—time to pucker up and celebrate all things bright, tart, and totally zesty!
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A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Lemon Molasses Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional molasses bar, offering a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, sweet molasses. This vintage recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast treat, these squares will surely bring a smile to your face and a bit of nostalgia to your kitchen. Their unique flavor combination is a testament to the creativity of home bakers, making them a recipe worth rediscovering and sharing with others.
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Lemon Molasses Squares was with. Click here to read the history of VRP016 – Gold Wood Box
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Lemon Molasses Squares Recipe
Lemon Molasses Squares
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 1/2 cup light molasses
- 1 1/2 cup enriched flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flakes, crushed
Instructions
- Thoroughly cream sugar, lemon peel, and sugar
- Add egg and molasses
- Beat well
- Add sifted dry ingredients alternatively with milk
- Stir in wheat flakes
- Spread in greased 8" x 12" pan
- Bake in moderate oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes