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Easy Lemon Squares Recipe With a Perfectly Zesty Filling

Easy Lemon Squares Recipe With a Perfectly Zesty Filling

Buttery shortbread and a bright, smooth lemon filling come together in this classic dessert. These lemon squares are simple to prepare, easy to slice after chilling, and perfect for sharing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened or melted
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Lemon Filling
  • 4 large Large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) All-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) Fresh lemon juice
  • 1-2 tablespoons Finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 pinch Salt
Finishing
  • As needed Powdered sugar, for dusting

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift out the cooled lemon squares.
  2. Mix the butter, powdered sugar, flour, and salt until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until it looks set and is lightly golden around the edges.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  5. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the filling is set in the center and no longer jiggles noticeably.
  7. Cool the pan completely, preferably chilling it for at least 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment, cut into 16–24 squares, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated zest for the best flavor. Avoid grating the bitter white pith. Pour the filling over the hot crust to help the layers adhere. For clean cuts, chill thoroughly and wipe the knife between slices.