Tangy, Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe That Brightens Any Day

Tangy lemon squares with a creamy lemon filling will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Zesty citrus notes blend perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust.

Soft and silky textures melt in your mouth, creating an irresistible dessert experience.

Each bite promises a refreshing burst of sunshine-like flavors.

Sweet and tart combinations create a magical balance that surprises and pleases.

Delicate and light, these squares offer a sophisticated twist on traditional dessert treats.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of this delectable lemony sensation.

Variations to Refresh Creamy Lemon Squares

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, creating a delectable alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Citrus Squares: Swap condensed milk with coconut cream and use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs, offering a plant-based version without compromising flavor.
• Lime Zesty Variation: Substitute lemon juice with fresh lime juice and add lime zest for a tangy tropical spin on the classic recipe, bringing a refreshing citrus profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the crust, reduce condensed milk sweetness, catering to individuals monitoring sugar intake.

Pairings That Highlight Creamy Lemon Squares

• Brew a light, refreshing lemon or Earl Grey tea that complements the tangy lemon squares, enhancing the citrus notes and providing a cleansing palate experience.
• Serve alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, which balances the sharp lemon flavor with its rich, sweet undertones and creates a delightful temperature contrast.
• Choose a chilled Moscato or Riesling with subtle sweetness that matches the dessert's bright acidity, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the lemon squares' delicate taste.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries, adding a burst of natural sweetness and a colorful presentation that introduces a complementary fruity dimension to the lemony dessert.

Storage Tips for Creamy Lemon Squares

• Store the lemon squares in an airtight container with a secure lid, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the container remains sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual lemon squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling the container with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen lemon squares from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick thaw, leave at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• What type of graham crackers work best for the crust?

Regular honey graham crackers are ideal. They provide a sweet base that complements the tangy lemon filling perfectly and create a classic, traditional texture for the dessert.

• How can I ensure my lemon filling is smooth and creamy?

Whisk the egg yolks and condensed milk thoroughly before adding lemon juice. Using an electric mixer helps eliminate lumps and creates a silky, uniform filling that sets beautifully when baked.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but it lacks the vibrant, zesty taste of freshly squeezed lemons and might alter the overall taste of the dessert.

Why Creamy Lemon Squares Are the Ultimate Zesty Treat

• Conquer Culinary Complexity: Despite seeming intricate, this recipe breaks down into simple steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Lemon squares strike a perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making them a universal crowd-pleaser for gatherings, potlucks, and family events.
• Elevate Everyday Ingredients: Transforms basic pantry staples like graham crackers, condensed milk, and lemons into a restaurant-worthy dessert without requiring specialized equipment.
• Prepare with Minimal Fuss: Minimal kitchen tools needed – just a food processor, mixing bowl, and standard baking pan – ensuring a stress-free baking experience for home cooks.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Squares

• Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the lemon squares.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery texture and helps the crust hold its shape.

• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the lemon filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Offers a creamy, sweet base for the lemon filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers a bright, tangy flavor that defines the character of the dessert.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the lemon squares from the baking pan.
• Butter: Used for greasing the pan to prevent sticking.

How to Bake Creamy Lemon Squares

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F. Get your baking space ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Create the Crust Foundation

• Graham crackers
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Pulse everything until it becomes a fine, sandy mixture that clumps together perfectly.

Step 3: Shape the Crust

Press the crumbly mixture into an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper.

Pack it down firmly to create a solid base that’ll hold your lemony goodness.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Let it cool completely after removing from the oven.

Step 5: Whip Up the Lemon Filling

• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lemon juice

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

The mixture should look creamy and inviting.

Step 6: Pour and Bake the Filling

Gently pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust.

Spread it evenly and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the filling sets and looks slightly firm.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

For extra firmness, pop them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into 9 or 16 squares depending on your mood and desired serving size.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Creation

Serve chilled and watch everyone’s faces light up with the first tangy, sweet bite of these incredible lemon bars!

Pro Tips for Smooth and Tangy Lemon Squares

• Chill the lemon squares thoroughly before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant, tangy flavor that makes these squares truly exceptional.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal and seamless presentation.
• Ensure graham cracker crust is tightly packed and evenly distributed to create a sturdy base for the creamy filling.
• Zest some lemon into the filling for an extra burst of citrusy aroma and intensified lemon flavor.

Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Lemon Squares spotlight a classic dessert that balances tangy citrus with sweet shortbread crust. Creamy filling and buttery base create a perfect harmony of flavors that will delight you.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 24 graham crackers
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the ideal baking environment for creating delectable lemon squares.
2. Grease an 8-inch square pan and line with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
3. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground, then mix with sugar and melted butter until the mixture becomes a cohesive crumb base.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer that covers the bottom and slightly extends up the sides.
5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it turns a light golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and condensed milk until smooth, then add fresh lemon juice, combining thoroughly to create a vibrant, tangy filling.
7. Gently pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a set filling and deeper golden-brown crust color.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dessert cool completely on a wire rack, optionally refrigerating for a firmer texture.
10. Lift the dessert out using parchment paper edges, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into 9-16 squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure graham crackers are finely ground for a smooth, consistent crust that holds together perfectly when baked.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Chill the lemon squares completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
• Experiment with alternative crusts like gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almonds for dietary variations and unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg