Description
These Easy Lemon Squares offer a classic, tangy citrus dessert with a buttery crust and a smooth, lemony filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they are an ideal treat for any occasion and simple enough for an effortless homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and the softened butter. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a uniform layer for the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This pre-baking ensures a firm and flavorful base for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon filling mixture evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve: Remove the lemon squares from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
- Chilling the bars in the refrigerator before cutting helps achieve cleaner, neater slices.
- Store these lemon squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will keep well for several days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
