Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

Creamy Lemon Squares are a bright and sunny summer dessert with a tangy lemon center and soft baked crust.

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Ingredients and Substitutions
How To Make Lemon Squares
Storing Lemon Bars
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe
Recipe Reviews

Creamy Lemon Squares are a very popular dessert in my house. They have a soft-baked crust and a tangy lemon filling. This sweet and tart flavor profile makes them a refreshing treat, especially in the hot summer months. They are simple to prepare in just about 5 minutes and are baked in less than 30. Lemon squares make a great addition to barbecues, summertime snacking and after meal treats.

Naturally, dessert is the most loved time of day for my kids. And they love helping to make easy desserts like these lemon squares. Lime bars, strawberry cupcakes, chocolate pudding and mango popsicles are some more summer desserts we can't get enough of.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make creamy lemon squares you need:

All-purpose flour: bread flour, almond flour, coconut flour or gluten-free flour are all fine to use as substitutions.
White sugar: you can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar.
Butter: unsalted butter is best.
Lemon juice: it can be freshly squeezed or bottled.
Lemon zest: or use 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.
Eggs: you are using the egg white and egg yolk.
Powdered sugar: also known as confectioner's sugar is sprinkled on top of the lemon bars after they are chilled.

How To Make Lemon Squares

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper. Grease the wax paper generously with butter.

STEP 2: Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup melted butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Press crust mixture into the lined pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

STEP 3: While the crust bakes, combine ½ cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar3 tablespoon all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.

STEP 4: Remove the crust pan from the oven when done. Pour the filling on top of the crust. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling no longer jiggles when pan is shaken. Remove the lemon bars from the oven.

STEP 5: Chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Remove from the pan and cut into 16 squares. Top lemon squares evenly with ½ cup powdered sugar to serve.

Storing Lemon Bars

Do Lemon Squares Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, lemon squares need to be refrigerated to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage since they are made with perishable ingredients.

How Long Do Lemon Squares Last?

When properly stored, lemon squares can last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I Freeze Lemon Squares?

Yes, you can freeze lemon squares. Freezing them can be a convenient way to store leftovers or prepare them in advance. First, allow the lemon squares to cool completely after baking. Then cut them into individual portions and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Make sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for a few hours or until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 6 months.

When you're ready to enjoy the lemon squares, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours until they are completely thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are My Lemon Squares Runny?

Lemon squares can turn out runny for a few reasons. First, there could have been an insufficient cooking time. If the lemon bars are not baked for the right amount of time, the filling may not set properly resulting in a runny texture. Second, if there is too much lemon juice the filling may be too runny. Third, the lemon squares may not have cooled for long enough to be able to set. If you try to cut into them while they are still warm or not fully set, the filling may appear runny. And last, using low fat dairy products (if you are using coconut milk) can contribute to a runny filling. Ensure that you're using full-fat ingredients for the best results.

Are These Keto?

Because this recipe is made with flour and sugar, it is not considered keto-friendly since these ingredients are high in carbohydrates.

Are These Gluten-Free?

Lemon bars are not gluten-free but can be made so by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I Make Them Vegan?

Yes, lemon squares are easy to make vegan with a few simple changes. Use unrefined coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Instead of using eggs, use ½ cup of condensed full fat coconut milk.

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