Creamy Lemon Squares

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, Creamy Lemon Squares are a perfect combination of sweet and tart. With a buttery crust and a smooth, tangy lemon filling, these squares are ideal for dessert, tea time, or special occasions. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form a solid crust.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and flour.
Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.
Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

5. Chill and Serve

Chill the lemon squares in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Squares

Fresh lemons: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Check doneness: The filling should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center—it will firm up as it cools.
Cut clean squares: Chill thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp knife for neat edges.
Make ahead: Lemon squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

Lime Squares: Substitute lime juice and zest for a tangy twist.
Berry Lemon Squares: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the crust and filling.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Creamier Version: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the filling for extra richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Lemon Squares are bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet. The buttery crust complements the smooth, lemony filling, creating a dessert that’s fresh, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing. They’re simple to make yet elegant enough for special occasions, making them a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels.