Lemon Squares Recipe

Lemon Squares are the kind of dessert that capture the very essence of sunshine in a bite—crisp, buttery crust topped with a tangy, luscious lemon filling, all dusted with snowy powdered sugar. They’re simple but show-stopping, bright enough to perk up any table, and so easy to love you’ll find yourself saving the last piece for breakfast with coffee. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, bringing a smile to a friend’s face, or just looking for a classic dessert with maximum payoff, Lemon Squares deliver every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Lemon Squares are proof that a handful of simple ingredients can become something truly special. Each element works its magic to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor—the rich, tender crust and the zingy, melt-in-your-mouth filling are a match made in dessert heaven.

• All-purpose flour (crust and filling): The backbone of both layers, flour gives the crust its structure and thickens the tangy lemon filling.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the ideal touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Chilled butter ensures a crumbly, tender base that perfectly supports the topping.
• Eggs: The secret to a creamy, custard-like filling—eggs bind everything together and make the lemon layer sing.
• Fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Nothing beats fresh citrus for that unmistakable, zippy lemon flavor.
• Lemon zest: Just a teaspoon brings a wonderful burst of aromatic citrus that can’t be matched.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A fine snowfall of sweetness finishes the bars with a classic touch.

How to Make Lemon Squares

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a couple of inches hang over the edges for easy lifting later. This simple step makes removing your Lemon Squares from the pan—and cleaning up—completely fuss-free.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are just golden. This crust is the sturdy, melt-in-your-mouth foundation for the lemony topping.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Filling

While your crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth—the filling will look pale and silky. This mixture becomes creamy, tart, and bright, an ideal contrast for the buttery base.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Carefully pour the lemon filling over the still-hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18 to 20 minutes, just until the filling is set in the center and no longer jiggly. The aroma at this stage is almost irresistible!

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Finish

Let your Lemon Squares cool completely on a wire rack in the pan. Once cool, pop them into the fridge for at least an hour—this step makes them much easier to cut. Right before serving, lift them out using the parchment overhang, slice into neat squares, and dust generously with powdered sugar.

How to Serve Lemon Squares

Garnishes

A generous sifting of powdered sugar is the timeless finishing touch for Lemon Squares, but you can also get creative! Try a curl of lemon zest or a tiny slice of lemon on each piece. For color, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a few fresh raspberries give a pop of elegance and flavor.

Side Dishes

Lemon Squares pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving them at brunch, a side of juicy berries or a cup of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt makes a bright, refreshing plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Lemon Squares on a cake stand for a show-stopping dessert table. For parties, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange in mini paper cups. You can even layer them parfait-style in glasses with crumbled shortbread and more fresh fruit for an unexpected twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Lemon Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps the squares hold their shape and keeps the lemon flavor extra vibrant.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Lemon Squares! Lay them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and dust with fresh powdered sugar.

Reheating

Lemon Squares are delicious straight from the fridge, but if you want them a bit closer to room temperature, just let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat in the oven or microwave—these beauties shine when cool.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh-squeezed juice makes all the difference in Lemon Squares. You get a brighter, more aromatic flavor that really sets homemade bars apart.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust is key! Press the mixture firmly and bake until it’s lightly golden before adding your filling—this creates a barrier and keeps the bottom perfectly crisp.

Why did my Lemon Squares crack on top?

Don’t worry! A few cracks can happen if they’re overbaked or cool too quickly, but they’re still delicious. To avoid this, remove the bars as soon as the center is set, and let them cool at room temperature before chilling.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check the edges for doneness, since ovens vary—bake times may be a minute or two longer.

Are Lemon Squares gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses wheat flour. To make gluten-free Lemon Squares, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different but just as tasty!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s sunny, satisfying, and sure to bring a smile, these Lemon Squares are your answer. They’re everything you adore in a dessert—easy, classic, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear!

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