If bright, tangy, and irresistibly sweet treats are your thing, you are going to adore this Lemon Squares Recipe. Picture a buttery, tender crust perfectly baked to a light golden brown, crowned with a luscious, zesty lemon filling that is just the right balance of tart and sweet. It’s a dessert that manages to feel both refreshing and indulgent in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or just because, these lemon squares bring an undeniable sunshine to your plate that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Squares Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the buttery base that forms a soft yet sturdy crust to the bright notes of lemon juice and zest that make the filling sing, every item is essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy foundation that makes the crust tender and flaky.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust while ensuring it remains delicate.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, giving structure and support to the lemon topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness and tanginess beautifully.
- 4 large eggs: These bind the filling together, creating that custardy texture that’s so crave-worthy.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon mixture without overpowering the citrus punch.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps set the filling so it holds its shape when cut into squares.
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient – delivering that fresh, tart, vibrant flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds depth and an extra burst of citrus aroma.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Gives a pretty, snowy finish and an extra touch of sweetness just before serving.
How to Make Lemon Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender crust. Then, add the 2 cups of flour and salt, mixing until you have a soft dough that holds together. Press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring a smooth, uniform layer. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust turns just a lovely light golden color – this gives the perfect base for the lemon topping.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This filling is where the magic happens – bright, tangy, and sweet all at once. The flour here gently thickens the filling for the perfect custard-like consistency.
Step 3: Bake the Lemon Squares
Once the crust is out of the oven and still hot, pour the luscious lemon filling evenly over it. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. This ensures those beautifully defined squares you’ll love slicing into.
Step 4: Cool and Finish
Allow the lemon squares to cool completely in the pan, which helps the filling to firm up nicely. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, dust the top liberally with powdered sugar before cutting into squares. This finishing touch is classic, simple, and just right.
How to Serve Lemon Squares Recipe
Garnishes
To make your lemon squares even more inviting, consider sprinkling a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest on top or a thin twist of lemon peel for a colorful, aromatic garnish. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing hint of contrast that pairs wonderfully with the citrus flavors.
Side Dishes
Lemon squares shine on their own, but they are also fantastic alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a light and balanced dessert plate, serve them with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, which complement the lemon’s tartness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering lemon squares on a pretty dessert stand for a stunning party presentation. You can cut the squares into smaller bites for a charming finger food option, or even serve them atop mini graham cracker crust cups for a modern, elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover lemon squares in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep best for up to four days, allowing the flavors to mellow and the texture to firm up slightly, making each bite just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make these lemon squares ahead of time or save some for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months without losing their wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
For a bit of that freshly baked warmth, thaw frozen lemon squares overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, but be careful not to overheat, or the custard might melt.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice brings the brightest, most authentic flavor to the squares, you can substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be aware that fresh juice offers a more vibrant and aromatic profile that really elevates this Lemon Squares Recipe.
How do I get the perfect set on the filling?
The key to a set filling is baking it long enough until it stops jiggling in the center. Using the right amount of flour in the filling also helps it firm up, so be sure to measure carefully and follow the steps precisely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best crust texture.
What if my lemon squares come out too sour?
If you find the lemon flavor a bit too sharp for your taste, try reducing the lemon juice slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling. Balancing the tartness to your preference is easy to do with a little tweaking.
How thick should I cut the lemon squares?
The rich, buttery crust and tangy filling mean a little goes a long way. Cutting them into 2-inch squares is perfect for serving; smaller pieces make for lovely bite-sized treats for parties or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Squares Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its perfect harmony of buttery crust and bright, tangy filling. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and celebratory, easy enough for a weekday bake and special enough for entertaining guests. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself turning to this recipe again and again to add a little sunshine to your dessert table. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible lemon squares!
Print
Lemon Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Lemon Squares feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a tangy and sweet lemon filling. Perfectly balanced with bright citrus flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar, they make an easy and refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the crust and lemon filling.
- Prepare Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. This pre-baking helps set the base before adding the filling.
- Make Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Once the crust is done, pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the lemon squares from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve: Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. For firmer squares, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer, more set filling, chill the lemon squares in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Store any leftovers covered in the fridge; they will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
- Ensure lemons are fresh for the brightest flavor and quality juice.
