Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (2024)

What summer dessert could be better than creamy lemon squares? I don’t know. These sunny lemon squares have a sweet lemon taste and amazing lemon flavor. For me, it’s like lemonade squares.

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Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (1)

How to make lemon squares?

Cook these yummy treats for your friends this summer. These sweet lemon squares consist of only 6 ingredients and I think you probably all of them in your kitchen right now.

  1. preheat oven to 350°F. Make graham cracker crumbs. Add 24 squares of graham crackers to the food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
  2. Add 4 tbsp of melted butter and ¼ cup of sugar. Pulse until completely combined.
  3. Grease 8-inch square baking pan with melted butter. Then, line with parchment paper. Don’t forget to leave some paper hanging on two sides, it will help to unmold the creamy lemon squares after baking.
  4. Make the crust. Add the mix of graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar, to the pan. Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan and make the 1 inch up the sides of the pan to create a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the crust cool completely in the pan.
    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (2)
  5. Make the creamy lemon filling. While crust is cooling, whisk 12 oz condensed milk with 2 egg yolk until smooth.
  6. Add ½ cup fresh lemon juice to the creamy lemon mixture and whisk until combined.
  7. Pour this mixture into the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is browned.
  8. Let the creamy square cool completely in a pan. Then, remove the lemon square from the pan using hanging parchment paper and cut it into 16 mini squares or 9 bigger squares.

Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (3)

RECIPE TIPS;

  1. You can add more lemon flavor by adding some fresh lemon zest.
  2. If your creamy lemon filling is too runny, you can add 1 tbsp cornstarch to make it more firm.
  3. Refrigerate the creamy lemon squared before cutting, it will make them more firm and it will be easier to cut.
  4. Wipe the knife with a towel while cutting the creamy lemon squares.
  5. Store creamy lemon squares in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

how long do lemon squares last?

You can store creamy lemon squares in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. By the way, it is better to cool these yummy lemon squares in the refrigerator before serving; it will make them firm.

why are my lemon squares runny?

There are a few reasons why it can happen. First, creamy lemon squares can be runny if you under-bake them. Second, they can be runny if you add too much lemon juice.

Third, lemon squares can be runny if you haven’t whisked the wet ingredients completely until smooth. Also, you can add 1 tbsp flour or 1 tbsp cornstarch to prevent your lemon squares from running.

Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (4)

do you need to refrigerate lemon squares?

It isn’t necessary to refrigerate lemon squares, but they will be more firm if you refrigerate them for 30 minutes after they have cooled to room temperature.

Can you freeze lemon squares;

Yes, these creamy lemon squares freeze very well. Let them completely cool in the pan if you want to freeze them. Then, remove the lemon square from the pan using hanging parchment paper.

Don’t cut it into small squares, it will be easier to cut the creamy lemon after freezing. Cover the creamy lemon square with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Lemon squares can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. You can thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. *If you want to freeze cut lemon squares, just be sure to do it in one layer to prevent sticking.

Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (5)

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Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (6)

Creamy Lemon Squares

These sunny lemon squares have a sweet lemon taste and amazing lemon flavor. For me, it's like lemonade squares.

4.96 from 23 votes

Print Save Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted;
  • 24 squares graham crackers;
  • ¼ cup of sugar.

For the lemon filling:

  • 2 egg yolks;
  • 1 can (12oz) sweetened condensed milk;
  • ½ cup of lemon juice.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Butter and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper (leave some paper hanging on two sides, it will help to remove the creamy lemon squares).

  • Break up the graham crackers. Then, add them to a food processor. Pulse until crumbled. Add sugar and melted butter. Pulse one more time until combined.

  • Add this crumble mixture to the prepared pan. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pan to create a crust.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let the crust cool completely in the pan.

  • Make the creamy filling while the crust is cooling. Add condensed milk and egg yolk to a bowl. Whisk until smooth. You can use an electric mixer or use a whisker. Then, add fresh lemon juice and whisk until well combined.

  • When the graham cracker crust has cooled, pour this creamy lemon filling into it. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is browned. Let the creamy square completely coolin the pan on a cooling rack. You can also refrigerate the lemon squares after cooling to room temperature; it makes the creamy lemon squares firmer. Then, remove the lemon square from the pan using the hanging parchment paper, and place it on a cutting board. Cut the lemon square into 16 mini squares or 9 bigger squares.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (7)Patricia

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (8)
    Only difference from my recipe is 2 egg yolks, been making this recipe since grade 7, home economics class, and I’m 80 so u can do the math, this and mine would be the same taste, the best lemon squares!!! Enjoy

    Reply

  2. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (9)Barbara

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (10)
    This is my all-time favourite bar to bake. I add lemon zest to the filling and cinnamon, nutmeg and finely chopped pecans to the crust. I want to eat them all myself!

    Reply

    • Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (11)Karen

      Barbara, how much cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest & pecans do you use? These additional ingredients sound wonderful!
      Thank you!
      Karen

      Reply

  3. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (12)Asha Shah

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (13)
    Really Really awesome recipe
    Can not stop eating again n again

    Reply

  4. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (14)Lyne

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (15)
    Love them 💛 they are creamy, delicious and so easy to whip up. I doubled the recipe but didn’t add sugar to the crust as I find the graham cookies sweet enough for my taste. As suggested I added the lemon zest and served them with fresh rasberries at our first deconfinement BBQ here in Québec. They were a hit! Thank you 🙂

    Reply

    • Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (16)100krecipes

      Thanks for the suggestions. So glad you decided to try it again and customize it to your liking. 🙂

      Reply

  5. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (17)Wandainthekitchen

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (18)
    A nice and tasty lemon square. Will serve as a dessert with a little whip on top and a thin slice of lemon soaked in honey for garnish. Will make this again and again. I cut down the sugar by using xylitol for the crumb base.

    Reply

    • Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (19)100krecipes

      I’m so happy you loved them enough to come back and let me know. Thanks for the 5 stars.

      Reply

  6. Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (20)Cheryl

    Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (21)
    Oh my, I could use some of this right now with a hot cup of coffee!

    Reply

    • Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (22)100krecipes

      How awesome, Hope you love it! Thanks for the 5 stars! Cheryl

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe | 100KRecipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to cutting lemon squares? ›

First, warm your knife by dipping it into a cup of hot water. Gently pat the knife dry with a towel to remove the moisture, and then slice into the lemon bars. After each cut, repeat the process all over again until you have perfect squares or rectangles.

Why are my lemon squares runny? ›

Storing them in the refrigerator also helps the bars maintain their texture and flavor for a longer period of time. Why are my lemon bars runny? Runny Lemon Bars are most likely caused from under baking. Make sure the filling no longer jiggles before taking it out of the oven.

What are lemon squares made of? ›

Our lemon bar dessert squares start with a flaky crust made with flour, butter, and powdered sugar. Butter: The butter gets the credit for making the crust so deliciously tender. Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar adds just a hint of sweetness to pair well with the filling.

How do you freeze lemon squares? ›

Yes, lemon bars freeze beautifully—they are even good frozen! To freeze the bars, let them cool completely and freeze the batch whole, covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, for up to three months. (The cut bars can also be frozen in a single layer.)

How do you cut lemon bars without sticking to the knife? ›

For example, score every 2 inches along the two short sides and every 4 inches along the two long sides. 2. Prepare your chef's knife for cutting by coating with cooking spray and then wiping it clean with a paper towel. This step will help prevent the knife from sticking to the bars as you cut.

Do homemade lemon squares need to be refrigerated? ›

Lemon bars should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated in order to prevent bacterial growth or foodborne illness. The filling in lemon bars is made with eggs and can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it's kept in the danger zone (between 41 and 153 degrees F).

Why did my lemon square crack? ›

Why did my lemon bars crack? Cracking can come from over beating your lemon custard filling mixture or in a drastic change of temperature (such as baking at too high of a temperature or if you take them out of the oven and place them in the fridge to speed up the chilling process).

Do lemon squares go bad? ›

The USDA says that you can safely keep lemon bars in the fridge for seven days, but The Kitchn recommends consuming the bars in three days. If you've made a whole batch just for yourself and can't finish all your lemon bars in a few days, another option is freezing them.

Why can't I use a metal pan for lemon bars? ›

– It's best to use a glass or a ceramic pan. Because if you use a metal pan, the acid will react with the lemon juice and the bars will have a slight metallic taste. – Also, make sure not to overcook the filling because it may get a rubbery texture instead of a smooth and creamy one.

How many lemons to make 1 cup of juice? ›

How Much Juice in One Lemon? On average, there are 3 tablespoons of juice in one lemon. So, for a cup of fresh lemon juice, you would need 5 and a quarter lemons. But, because some lemons are less juicy than others, it's safe to say you'd need 5 and a half lemons for a cup of lemon juice.

How to keep powdered sugar from melting on lemon bars? ›

To Keep Powdered Sugar from Melting, Add Cornstarch

So go slow and be conservative with the amount of cornstarch you add. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for every 1/4 cup of powdered sugar used.

How to cut lemon squares? ›

I have found that a hot, wet, very sharp knife helps quite a bit. Also, make sure the bars are completely chilled before cutting.

What happens when you freeze a whole lemon? ›

Learning how to store lemons in the freezer can help keep them flavorful for up to four months. When freezing whole lemons, keep them in a food-safe plastic bag, like a Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ Freezer Bag with as little air as possible. Always wash lemons thoroughly before stashing them away in your freezer.

How to get lemon bars out of the pan easily? ›

Let the paper overhang about 3 inches over the sides so you can lift the whole shape out of the pan. Once the bars have chilled for a couple of hours, you can freeze the pan for about an hour to make them a bit firmer. Slightly frozen lemon bars are easier to lift, preventing cracking while removing from pan.

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