There is something truly magical about a classic Lemon Squares Recipe that brightens any dessert table with its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. These lemon squares deliver a luscious, juicy lemon filling atop a buttery, tender crust, creating a delightful treat that’s as refreshing as it is comforting. Whether you’re serving them at a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Squares Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, quality ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the zing of fresh lemon juice, every component contributes to making these squares an irresistible dessert.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and richness to the lemon filling for a smooth, custard-like texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that delivers vibrant and zesty lemon flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the lemon filling so it holds together nicely when cut.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the filling, avoiding any heaviness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the buttery crust, providing a tender and slightly crumbly foundation.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus more for sprinkling: Sweetens the crust and adds a delicate finish on top to make your lemon squares look as good as they taste.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened: Infuses richness and moistness into the crust for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Make Lemon Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350º F to ensure it’s perfectly hot, so your crust will bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the crust
Combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and softened salted butter in a mixing bowl. Using your hands is actually the best way to bring everything together into a smooth dough that’s easy to press down.
Step 3: Press the dough into the pan
Take your dough and firmly press it into an 8×8-inch baking pan. Try to spread it evenly so the crust has a uniform thickness, which will help it bake consistently.
Step 4: Bake the crust
Pop the crust into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it is lightly golden and fragrant. This sets the base for your lemon filling perfectly.
Step 5: Mix the lemon filling
While your crust is baking, zest and juice your fresh lemons until you have about 2 tablespoons of juice. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Combine and bake again
After the crust is baked, carefully pour the lemon filling over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Your filling will set into a luscious, slightly firm layer that holds together beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and finish
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. Let your lemon squares cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
How to Serve Lemon Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor of your lemon squares by adding fresh mint leaves, thin lemon slices, or a dusting of extra powdered sugar. These simple touches make the treat visually appealing and add a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
Lemon squares pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon snack. For more indulgence, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the tartness with creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting your lemon squares into bite-sized mini portions and arranging them on a decorative platter for parties. You can also layer them with fresh berries in a trifle dish for a stunning, layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover lemon squares stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
If you want to save your lemon squares for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a citrus craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen lemon squares in the refrigerator overnight. Serve them chilled or gently warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring out more aroma and softness.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the brightest, most authentic flavor in this Lemon Squares Recipe, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though it may lack some of the fresh zing.
What pan size is best for baking lemon squares?
An 8×8 inch pan is ideal as it ensures the crust and the filling bake evenly and produce the classic thickness that makes these lemon squares so delightful.
Can I make lemon squares gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind that texture may vary slightly but the delicious lemon flavor remains.
Do lemon squares need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because the filling contains eggs and lemon juice, it’s best to refrigerate lemon squares to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
How do I get clean slices when cutting lemon squares?
Let the squares cool completely and chill in the refrigerator before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve neat, beautiful pieces.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress with a bright, classic dessert that is both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, this Lemon Squares Recipe is your new best friend. From the buttery crust to the tangy lemon filling, every bite is like sunshine on a plate. Give it a try and watch this recipe become a cherished favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine.
Print
Lemon Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade lemon squares featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy and sweet lemon filling. This easy-to-make dessert combines bright citrus flavor with a soft, tender texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the crust and lemon filling.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all purpose flour, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ cup softened salted butter. Mix together thoroughly, preferably using your hands, until a smooth dough forms.
- Press the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan, ensuring the surface is flat and uniform to create the crust base.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the pressed dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, zest and juice fresh lemons to measure about 2 tablespoons of juice. In a mixing bowl, beat together the lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ½ teaspoon baking powder until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: After removing the crust from the oven, carefully pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Allow the lemon squares to cool completely before cutting and serving. Store leftovers refrigerated.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Ensure the crust is baked until slightly golden to maintain structure.
- Let the lemon squares cool completely to achieve clean cuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
