Name: Lemon Squares
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1/2 cup butter, softened (= 1 stick); 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp lemon extract; pinch salt; 2 eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 tsp lemon extract; 1 lemon (zested & juiced); 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; powdered sugar

Recipes From Gran Nan’s Kitchen

I so admire those who are treat-baking geniuses that use fancy cookie cutters, elaborate icings, and lavish decorations. But when I’m baking cookies and other sweets, I’m all about using recipes that are easy to prepare and taste delicious.

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**Today’s post has been written and developed by Gran Nan.

This easy-to-make Lemon Square recipe totally fits that bill! This is a recipe that is great to make any time of year, since the ingredients and taste are not seasonal. Due to their lightness, these Lemon Squares are a great end to a heavier meal and are a great luncheon dessert. The sweetish, buttery crust complements the tangy lemon layer perfectly.

Sources: Cloche | Serving Platter (similar) | Napkin

What Ingredients are Needed to Make these Lemon Squares?

Like most of my recipes, the majority of the ingredients needed are very basic, and are typically available in most pantries and refrigerators (with the exception of lemon extract.) The Lemon Square recipe ingredients include:

Flour
Powdered sugar
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Butter
Eggs
Lemon
Lemon extract

What Kitchen Tools are Needed to Make this Lemon Square Recipe?

Only a few kitchen items are needed to make these Lemon Squares.

8 x 8 Baking Dish
Stand mixer or portable mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing Bowl (if you’re using a portable mixer)
Lemon zester
Lemon juicer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Sifter

Lemon Square Recipe — Before Powdered Sugar Topping

Lemon Squares Recipe -- a Long Time Fave Dessert! — Before Powdered Sugar Topping

Lemon Bars Recipe -- Perfect, Refreshing Dessert

When is the Best Time to Serve Lemon Squares?

This sweet treat is perfect to serve for any occasion, any time of the year. It’s also been one of my baking “go tos” during the holidays since they are so easy to make! Other suggestions include:

Family dinner
Ladies’ lunch
Potluck
Bridal or baby shower
Summer barbecue
As a component on an assorted cookie tray
They are also a perfect sweet gift to give to others!

Can I Double this Lemon Square Recipe?

You can easily double this Lemon Square recipe if you are feeding a crowd or if you want to gift a portion and keep some for yourself. Simply double all of the ingredients. I also like to cut smallish squares, as a little goes a long way.

How Do I Store Lemon Squares?

If you are serving or gifting these Lemon Squares the same day, I keep them at room temperature. After that, I will typically refrigerate them.

Lemon Squares Recipe

Pin, Save, or Print the recipe below…

Lemon Squares

This easy to make Lemon Square recipe is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. It includes a sweetish crust as the base, with a bright lemony layer on top.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword cookie bar, lemon, lemon bar

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

Lemon Square Crust

cooking spray
1/2 cup butter, softened = 1 stick
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp lemon extract
pinch salt

Lemon Square Lemon Layer

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp lemon extract
1 lemon zested & juiced
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
powdered sugar

Instructions

Lemon Square Crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides of the cooking pan with cooking spray.
Cream the butter, flour, powdered sugar, lemon extract and salt together in the stand mixer or with the portable mixer until the mixture is soft and smooth.
Spread the dough evenly into the pan.
Bake for 20 minutes.

Lemon Square Lemon Layer

Beat the eggs well with the stand or portable mixer.
Gradually add the sugar ad continue mixing until the mixture has thickened.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, lemon extract, lemon juice and lemon zest until the mixture is well incorporated.

Putting The Lemon Squares Together

Take the crust out of the oven when it is done and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and return it to the oven.
Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the top is golden.
Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edges.
When the pan has cooled, cut into squares and remove from the pan.
Sift powdered sugar over the top of the squares.

I really hope you’ll give this easy dessert recipe a try. If you do, please let us know what you think!

— Gran Nan

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