Description

These old fashioned lemon squares feature a perfect balance of tart lemon and a sweet, crumbly crust, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. This easy, family-friendly recipe is ideal for brightening any day with its vibrant citrus aroma and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
0.75 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (170g)
0.25 cup granulated sugar (50g)
0.5 teaspoon salt (3g)
1.5 cups granulated sugar (300g)
0.25 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
4 large eggs
0.5 cup fresh lemon juice (120ml)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2–3 lemons)
0.25 cup powdered sugar, or more (30g)

Instructions

Prep The Crust: Preheat oven to 350(degree)F (175(degree)C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine 1.5 cups flour, 0.25 cup sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Cut in 0.75 cup cold butter with a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (about 3-5 minutes). Press evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring the base is compact. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Prepare The Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together 1.5 cups granulated sugar and 0.25 cup flour in a medium bowl, ensuring no lumps. Add 4 large eggs, 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
Assemble And Bake: Carefully pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked crust, ensuring it spreads to the edges. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and appears mostly firm; a slight jiggle in the very center is okay when gently shaken. (If the filling looks too liquid after the bake time, return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, checking frequently).
Cool And Finish: Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This is crucial for the lemon squares to set properly and achieve their ideal texture. Once fully cooled and firm to the touch, dust generously with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For extra bright flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. Do not overbake the filling; it should still have a slight wiggle in the middle. Ensure squares are completely cooled before dusting and cutting to prevent a sticky topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 60g)
Calories: 230 calories
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: lemon squares, dessert, old fashioned, easy, baking, citrus, powdered sugar, family-friendly