Here’s a detailed guide to Creamy Lemon Squares 🍋🥧—a tangy, sweet dessert with a soft, custardy lemon filling on a buttery shortbread crust.
🌟 What Are Creamy Lemon Squares?
Creamy lemon squares are dessert bars made with:
- A buttery shortbread crust
- A tangy, creamy lemon filling made with eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and cream or cream cheese
- Often dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish
They’re soft, slightly firm, and perfect for a refreshing dessert.
🥄 Ingredients (9×9-inch pan)
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
Lemon Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2–3 tbsp cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust – combine flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the filling – whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice, and cream or cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour filling over crust – spread evenly.
- Bake – 20–25 minutes until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely – refrigerate for 1–2 hours for easier slicing.
- Slice and serve – dust with powdered sugar before serving.
🔥 Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Let the squares cool completely to prevent the filling from falling apart.
- Optional: add lemon zest to the filling for extra zing.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert
- Pair with whipped cream or fresh berries
- Cut into small squares for parties or gatherings
I can also give a super-creamy version with a cream cheese lemon filling that’s extra decadent and perfect for a dessert tray.
Do you want me to do that?