Creamy Lemon Squares

Creamy lemon squares are the ultimate balance of sweet and tangy, wrapped in a buttery shortbread crust that practically melts in your mouth. If you are craving an easy lemon dessert that feels bakery-worthy yet comes together in under 40 minutes, this recipe is for you. Made completely from scratch with fresh lemon juice and zest, these lemon bars deliver bright citrus flavor in every bite. Whether you are baking for a party, potluck, or simply treating yourself, these homemade lemon squares are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Lemon Squares

There are countless lemon bar recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons.

• First, the texture is absolutely dreamy. The shortbread crust is tender and buttery with just the right amount of structure to hold the luscious lemon filling. The filling itself is smooth, creamy, and perfectly set without being rubbery or overly firm.
• Second, the flavor is vibrant and fresh. Using fresh lemon juice and zest makes a noticeable difference. You get a natural citrus aroma and a sweet tangy punch that bottled juice simply cannot match.
• Third, this recipe is quick and approachable. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, you can have bakery style lemon squares cooling on your counter in no time.
• Finally, these creamy lemon squares are perfect for sharing. Cut into 12 generous bars, they are ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or afternoon coffee breaks.

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and cooled slightly

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Lemon Filling

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 6 tablespoons all purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Serving

• Powdered sugar

• Lemon slices, optional

Each ingredient plays an important role. The cornstarch in the crust adds tenderness, while the buttermilk in the filling enhances the creamy texture and adds subtle depth to the lemon flavor.

Step by Step: How to Make Creamy Lemon Squares

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This makes it much easier to lift the bars out later for clean slicing.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Try to keep the layer as smooth and even as possible to ensure consistent baking.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes. It should look lightly set but not browned. Remove it from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, flour, buttermilk, and baking powder. Whisk just until combined. Avoid over mixing, as incorporating too much air can cause bubbles or cracks in the finished bars.

4. Bake the Bars

Pour the lemon filling directly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 22 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set in the center and the edges lightly golden.

You can gently shake the pan to check doneness. The center should no longer look liquid, but it may still have a slight jiggle.

5. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 to 2 hours. Once cooled, cover with foil and refrigerate for easier slicing.

To cut clean bars, lift them out using the foil or parchment lining. Slice into 12 squares. Dust generously with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Freshly squeezed juice makes a significant difference in taste.

• Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps the filling blend smoothly and bake evenly.

• Do not over bake. Over baking can cause the filling to become rubbery instead of creamy.

• Chill before slicing. Refrigeration helps the bars firm up, making it easier to get neat, bakery style squares.

• Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect presentation.

Substitutions And Variations

One of the best things about creamy lemon squares is how adaptable they are.

For a slightly sweeter crust, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to control the saltiness. If you do not have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk plus a small splash of lemon juice.

Want to experiment with flavor? Try adding a bit of lime juice and zest for a citrus twist. You can also fold in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle warmth.

For a gluten free version, use a high quality gluten free all purpose flour blend in both the crust and filling. Make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

If you prefer a thicker lemon layer, you can double the filling while keeping the same crust. Just increase the baking time slightly and watch for doneness.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps your lemon squares tasting fresh and delicious.

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the egg based filling, refrigeration is important for food safety.

You can also freeze creamy lemon squares. Place the cut bars on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and dust with fresh powdered sugar before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

Each serving, based on 12 bars, contains approximately:

• Calories: 246 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 39 grams

• Protein: 3 grams

• Fat: 9 grams

• Saturated Fat: 5 grams

• Cholesterol: 61 mg

• Sodium: 86 mg

• Fiber: 1 gram

• Sugar: 27 grams

• Vitamin A: 296 IU

• Vitamin C: 4 mg

• Calcium: 21 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

These values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy lemon squares are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving.

Serve them chilled with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries, which complement the citrus flavor.

For a more elegant presentation, plate each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin lemon slice on the side. If you are hosting brunch, these lemon squares make a bright addition to a dessert table alongside muffins and fruit salads.

They are also perfect for spring and summer gatherings when light, refreshing desserts are especially welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Lemon Squares

Can I make creamy lemon squares ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance. In fact, they taste even better after chilling in the refrigerator for several hours. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes firmer and creamier, making them easier to slice.

Why did my lemon filling crack?
Cracks are usually caused by over baking or incorporating too much air into the filling. Whisk gently and remove the bars from the oven as soon as the center is set.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While you can use bottled juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides brighter, more natural flavor. Fresh zest also enhances the overall citrus aroma.

How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should look lightly golden and the center should be set with only a slight jiggle. If the middle looks liquid, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for taking the time to try these creamy lemon squares. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it is simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor and texture every single time. The buttery crust and vibrant lemon filling come together in such a beautiful way, proving that homemade desserts do not have to be complicated to be amazing. I hope you love every sweet and tangy bite as much as I do. Wishing you joyful baking and many delicious moments in your kitchen. Thank you for being part of this wonderful food loving community.

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