When I asked Charlie what he thought of this traybake, it got the double thumbs-up and, in between mouthfuls, he told me it was ‘Yummy, yummy, yummy,’ which I took to mean he liked it!
makes: 20 squares
preparation: 20 minutes
baking: 45 minutes
cooling: 1 hour
freeze: Yes
for the square mixture
125g (4½oz) dairy-free spread
75g (2¾oz) caster sugar
150g (5½oz) wheat- and gluten-free plain flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
Icing sugar, to dust
for the lemon filling
250g (9oz) caster sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature and lightly beaten
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
30g (1oz) wheat- and gluten-free plain flour
½ tsp gluten-free baking powder
equipment
20cm x 30cm (8 x 12 inch) shallow baking tin
* Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Grease and line the baking tin, leaving enough lining paper hanging over the edge so you can lift out the lemon squares easily.
* In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held electric mixer on a high setting to cream the dairy-free spread and sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
* Fold the sifted flour and xanthan gum in gently using a large metal spoon. Press evenly into the baking tin, making sure you reach into the corners.
* Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool.
* To make the filling, in a large mixing bowl use a hand-held mixer on a high speed setting to cream the sugar and eggs together for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
* Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture and, using a large balloon whisk, gradually beat until combined.
* Pour over the cooked base and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until just firm. The filling needs to remain delicately pale. If it gets too brown, it will become crispy and difficult to cut (though it will still taste delicious).
* Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. Once cool, remove from the tin, carefully remove the baking parchment and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.