Introduction

Creamy lemon squares are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, velvety lemon filling. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or a refreshing treat any time of year, these squares are easy to make and bursting with bright citrus flavor. This guide will walk you through creating these irresistible lemon squares from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined to form a crumbly dough.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
2. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Lemon Squares

1. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 4: Serve

1. Use the parchment overhang to lift the lemon squares out of the baking dish.
2. Cut into squares or bars and dust generously with powdered sugar.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

• Lime Squares: Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon for a tropical twist.
• Berry Lemon Squares: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the crust before pouring in the lemon filling.
• Coconut Lemon Squares: Mix 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the crust for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Notes

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can taste flat.
• Ensure the crust is pre-baked to avoid a soggy base.
• Chill the squares thoroughly before cutting for clean, neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Tips

• For a smoother filling, strain the lemon mixture through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it over the crust.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the squares for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

40 minutes

Total Time

3 hours (including chilling time)

Nutritional Information (per square, based on 16 squares)

• Calories: 250-280 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 80-100 mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different pan size?
A: Yes, but adjust the baking time. An 8×8-inch pan will yield thicker squares and may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute the flour in both the crust and filling with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q3: How do I know when the filling is set?
A: The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center but not be liquidy. It will firm up as it cools.

Q4: Can I skip the heavy cream?
A: The cream adds richness, but you can replace it with full-fat coconut milk or omit it for a more traditional lemon bar texture.

Conclusion

Creamy lemon squares are a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors that make for an unforgettable dessert. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Try this recipe for a refreshing treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!