Easy Lemon Squares Recipe
Delight in these easy lemon squares featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy, sweet lemon filling. Perfectly balanced and simple to make, they’re a refreshing treat ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 9-16 squares depending on size 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 pinch salt
Lemon Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- Zest of ½–1 lemon (½ – 1 tablespoon)
- Optional: 3-4 tablespoons all purpose flour (if worried about filling sinking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until combined. Add the flour and a pinch of salt, then beat again until a soft dough forms, approximately 1 ½ minutes. Pat this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven but leave the oven on. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: In another medium bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest until well combined. If concerned about the filling sinking, incorporate 3-4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help stabilize the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled shortbread crust evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set (about 25 minutes is recommended; adjust baking time as needed).
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon squares to cool in the pan. For easier cutting, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, cut into squares, remove from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and serve. Enjoy your delightful lemon squares!
Notes
- Ensure the crust is cooled before adding the lemon filling to avoid a soggy base.
- If you want a firmer filling, add 3-4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the lemon mixture to prevent sinking.
- Chilling the lemon squares before cutting helps achieve clean slices.
- You can adjust the lemon zest amount to your taste preference for more or less citrus aroma.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon squares, lemon bars, shortbread crust, easy dessert, citrus dessert
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/easy-lemon-squares-recipe/
