If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts refreshingly tangy and perfectly sweet, look no further than these Easy Lemon Squares. Bursting with real lemon flavor and a buttery, tender crust, this classic dessert is surprisingly simple to whip up—yet guaranteed to wow a crowd (or just your sweet tooth at home). Each bite delivers a sunny dose of citrus set atop a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, making these bars a mainstay for any occasion. I can never resist sneaking a square straight from the fridge, dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Trust me: once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.

Easy Lemon Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Lemon Squares is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and plenty of fresh lemon. Each ingredient matters, coming together to create luscious layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s what makes these squares so special:

Unsalted Butter: Using softened unsalted butter gives your crust its signature richness and flakiness—let it come fully to room temperature for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: Divided between the crust and the filling, this adds gentle sweetness that lets the lemons shine.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides a tender crumb in the crust and helps the lemon filling set up with just the right texture.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Large Eggs: The powerhouse behind the lemony filling, eggs give it that silky, custard-like consistency.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable here—bottled just doesn’t compare for that sparkling, tart punch.
Lemon Zest: Lemon zest intensifies the citrus fragrance and bumps up the fresh lemon flavor in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: A generous dusting on top not only looks pretty but adds a sweet, delicate finish to each square.

How to Make Easy Lemon Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this helps make your crust extra tender. Next, mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. The mixture will look crumbly, but that’s exactly what you want! Press this dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to get into the corners for an even layer. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns just lightly golden around the edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the lemony filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined; this will give your bars a luscious texture and even flavor throughout.

Step 3: Pour and Bake Again

As soon as your crust comes out of the oven—while it’s still hot—pour the lemon filling right on top. Return the pan carefully to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. This step gives you those irresistible layers of crisp crust and satiny lemon filling!

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Let your pan of Easy Lemon Squares cool completely at room temperature. For the best, cleanest slices (and a delightfully refreshing experience), pop the pan into the fridge for at least an hour once cooled. This little chill time also makes them easier to handle—if you can resist sneaking a piece right away.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, dust the entire top with plenty of powdered sugar. Slice into squares—either classic or bite-sized depending on your mood—and savor a treat that’s crisp, creamy, and brimming with bright, bold citrus.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Squares

Garnishes

Sprinkling powdered sugar is the traditional finishing touch, turning each square into a frosted dream. If you want to get fancy, add a few curls of lemon zest, a small twist of candied lemon peel, or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and tang.

Side Dishes

These Easy Lemon Squares love to share the stage with light accompaniments, like bowls of fresh seasonal berries or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. For a special afternoon tea spread, arrange them alongside classic shortbread or crisp almond cookies for a contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the usual tray! Serve your lemon squares in cupcake liners for parties, arrange them on a tiered platter for a showy dessert table, or package a few in pretty boxes for a cheerful gift. You can even use smaller cookie cutters to shape them into hearts or stars—so fun for holidays or special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Easy Lemon Squares covered in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh and delicious for up to five days—perfect for a grab-and-go treat or an after-dinner indulgence any day of the week.

Freezing

Want to save a batch for future cravings? Layer cooled lemon squares between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then dust with a little extra powdered sugar before serving to freshen them up.

Reheating

Easy Lemon Squares are usually enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you’d like to take the chill off, set them out on the counter for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust try to lose its delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the secret to truly vibrant, tangy Easy Lemon Squares—bottled juice just can’t deliver the same punchy flavor. If possible, grab a few lemons and enjoy the difference!

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Making sure your crust is hot when you pour the filling over is key, as is baking until it’s just set and golden. This creates a firm base that stands up to the luscious lemon layer without becoming soggy or soft.

Can I make Easy Lemon Squares gluten free?

You can! Simply swap in a good-quality one-for-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour used in both the crust and the filling. The result should still be deliciously tangy and tender.

How do I get clean, neat squares when slicing?

Chilling the pan well before slicing is a game-changer. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to ensure each piece of your Easy Lemon Squares looks as irresistible as it tastes.

Can I add more lemon zest for extra flavor?

Absolutely! If you crave an even bigger citrus punch, go ahead and add another tablespoon of zest to the filling. You’ll take the lemony aroma over the top in the best possible way.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just looking for a bright, easy treat to enjoy at home, these Easy Lemon Squares promise mile-high flavor and effortless baking joy. Give them a try—you’ll see why they’re such an enduring favorite, and you may find yourself searching for excuses to make them again (and again!).

Easy Lemon Squares Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Lemon Squares are a delightful citrusy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, these squares are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

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

For the lemon filling:

4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the crust: Cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 2 cups flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press into the prepared pan and bake until lightly golden.
Prepare the lemon filling: Whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and bake until the filling is set.
Cool and serve: Let cool, refrigerate, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing.