Irresistible, Easy Lemon Squares: A Family Favorite

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good lemon dessert. Whether it’s a slice of tangy lemon meringue pie, a fluffy lemon cake, or a simple lemon loaf, I’m all in.

There’s just something about the bright, citrusy flavor that makes lemon desserts so refreshing and indulgent at the same time. And when it comes to my go-to lemon treat? It’s got to be these delicious lemon squares.

I don’t make them nearly as often as I should, but whenever I do, they disappear before I know it. My kids, who don’t really care what form dessert takes as long as it’s sweet, gobble them up just as quickly as I do.

In fact, we’ve been known to fight over the last piece, especially when they’re still slightly warm and the lemony scent fills the kitchen. If you’ve ever had to claim the last slice of a dessert before someone else does, you know the struggle!

Why Lemon Squares?

There’s just something special about the combination of a buttery shortbread crust and the smooth, zesty lemon filling. It hits that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, and the texture is the best of both worlds—soft and gooey on top, with a firm, crumbly base.

If you’re a fan of lemon meringue pie like I am, or really anything with a bit of tartness to offset the sweetness, these lemon squares are going to be your new favorite. They’re light and refreshing, which makes them feel less indulgent than some heavier desserts, even though you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds).

I love serving these as an after-dinner treat, but they also work just as well pretty much any time of day when you are feeling peckish. They’re one of those desserts that are flexible enough for any occasion but special enough that they feel like a little indulgence.

A Treat for the Whole Family

While I may have a special fondness for lemon, my kids don’t discriminate when it comes to dessert. They’ll eat pretty much anything that’s sweet, so when these lemon squares come out of the oven, I can’t keep them away.

And honestly, I don’t blame them. There’s something so simple and comforting about these squares, with their buttery crust and tart lemon layer dusted with a light coating of powdered sugar.

Even though lemon isn’t their favorite flavor in the way it is mine, they love the sweetness of these bars. Maybe it’s the contrast between the tangy lemon and the sugary topping, or maybe it’s just the fact that they know dessert is on the menu.

Either way, they’re always eager to get their hands on these, and we’ve had more than one “debate” over who gets the last square.

Why I Don’t Make Them More Often

I really should make these more often. Honestly, every time I do, I wonder why they don’t make a more regular appearance in my kitchen. But life gets busy, and between juggling work, family, and everything in between, I sometimes forget just how easy they are to whip up.

It’s one of those recipes that looks more complicated than it is, but with just a few basic ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and, of course, lemons—you can have a batch of lemon squares ready in no time. Plus, even though they are best on the day of baking they keep well for a couple of days (if they last that long).

But let’s be real, in my house, they’re lucky if they make it to the end of the day. As soon as I pull them out of the oven and let them cool, the kids are already asking if they can have a piece, and before I know it, we’re all sneaking bites from the pan.

And that’s probably the real reason I don’t make them as often—I can’t be trusted not to eat the entire batch!

Irresistible Lemon Squares: A Family Favorite

Recipe by Jessie

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

These easy lemon squares have a sweet pastry crust and a tart lemon custard filling. So easy to make, you’ll wonder why you don’t make them more often!

Ingredients

• CRUST:

• 1/2 c butter

• 1/4 c icing sugar

• 1 tsp grated lemon zest

• 1 c flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• FILLING:

• 2 eggs

• 1 c sugar

• 2 Tbsp flour

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (~juice from 1 lemon)

• 1 tsp grated lemon zest

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Crust:
  >Beat softened butter and icing sugar together until well blended
  >Add in lemon zest, flour, and salt, and mix thoroughly.
  >Press mixture evenly in the bottom of a 8×8 inch square baking pan.
  >Bake for 20 minutes
  >Remove from oven and cool completely before adding filling.
• Filling:
  >Beat together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until thoroughly blended.
  >Pour over crust and return to the oven.
  >Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, until the top is dry and barely browned around the edges.
  >Do not overbake! The custard filling should remain soft (it will set after cooling).
  
• Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack before cutting into 2-inch squares.
• If desired, sift icing sugar over the top before serving.

A Must-Make for Lemon Lovers

So, if you’re anything like me and love lemon desserts, or if you’ve got a family who can’t resist anything sweet, these lemon squares are a must-try. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they’re always a hit. Just be prepared to fight for that last piece—you’ve been warned!