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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the ideal baking environment for creating delectable lemon squares.
- Grease an 8-inch square pan and line with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
- 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.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer that covers the bottom and slightly extends up the sides.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it turns a light golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- 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.
- Gently pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a set filling and deeper golden-brown crust color.
- Remove from the oven and let the dessert cool completely on a wire rack, optionally refrigerating for a firmer texture.
- 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