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Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe

Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe

This old fashioned lemon squares recipe features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a bright, tangy lemon filling made from real lemons. A timeless dessert that’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Desserts, Healthy Sweet Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the Lemon Filling
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • For Topping
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Fine mesh sieve (for dusting sugar)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and pale.
  5. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and baking powder. Whisk until fully combined.
  6. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the center is just set.
  8. Let cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
  9. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill fully before slicing for clean, bakery-style squares.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe
Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe