Description
Lemon Squares are a classic, refreshing dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, tart lemon filling, offering the perfect balance of sweet and sour. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Pinch of salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the squares: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the squares in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and dust: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Lemon Squares to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
- Serve: Slice the Lemon Squares into squares or bars and serve!
Notes
- Add a little lime or orange zest to the filling for a citrus twist, or combine lemon with raspberries or blueberries for added flavor.
- To make these squares gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
- For a lemon meringue twist, top the lemon filling with a fluffy meringue before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg