Name: Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 24 squares graham crackers; ¼ cup sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 can (12 oz) sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love a dessert that’s bright, tangy, but still luxuriously smooth, then this Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe is going to become your new obsession. I stumbled upon this gem on a sunny afternoon craving something refreshing yet comforting, and honestly, it did not disappoint. The dreamy lemon filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust feels like summer in every bite, and I’m excited to share my tips so you nail it perfectly every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness from condensed milk complements the tart lemon juice beautifully, creating that iconic creamy tang.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry – no fancy trips required.
Easy to Make: Minimal steps and no complicated techniques, which means less stress and more dessert!
Crowd-Pleaser: These squares vanish fast at any gathering — trusted by me and all who try them.

Creamy Lemon Squares, lemon squares recipe, lemon dessert recipe, easy lemon bars, tangy lemon dessert - The image shows a square dessert with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a coarse, golden-brown crumb crust, thick and pressed evenly around the edges. The top layer is smooth, creamy, and pale yellow, covering the entire surface evenly with a slightly glossy finish. It sits on a white parchment paper which is placed on a white marbled surface, with a black metal grid visible in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe really comes down to simple, quality ingredients working together. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a nutty richness that balances the zesty lemon filling, and the sweetened condensed milk lends that silky texture we’re after. Here’s a snapshot of what makes each ingredient essential—plus a couple of tips for picking the best ones.

Creamy Lemon Squares, lemon squares recipe, lemon dessert recipe, easy lemon bars, tangy lemon dessert - Flat lay of melted golden butter in a small white bowl, a neat stack of whole graham cracker squares, a small white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of thick sweetened condensed milk, and a small white bowl of freshly squeezed bright yellow lemon juice, all arranged symmetrically with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the sweetness and saltiness of the crust—plus, melted butter helps everything bind perfectly.
Graham crackers: The classic crust base! Look for honey or cinnamon varieties if you want a subtle twist on flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness, but don’t skip it.
Egg yolks: They add richness and help thicken the lemon filling so it sets just right.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret weapon for creamy texture and natural sweetness in the filling.
Lemon juice: Fresh is best here—bottled juice won’t give you that vibrant, fresh zing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe is. Depending on your mood or dietary preferences, it’s easy to tweak things to your liking. Whether you want it a bit sweeter, more tart, or even dairy-free, I’ve been there tinkering and I encourage you to make it truly your own.

Variation: I once swapped half the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk and added a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top—it was a tropical spin that everyone raved about.
Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free crust, crushed gluten-free cookies work brilliantly instead of graham crackers.
Seasonal twist: Adding a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the filling boosts aroma—especially great if your lemons aren’t super fragrant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter your 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper—tip: leave a little extra hanging over two edges for easy removal later. Break your graham crackers into chunks and pulse them in a food processor until they’re a fine crumble. Add sugar and melted butter, and pulse until everything comes together like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the pan, pushing it up the sides about an inch to create a sturdy crust. Bake it for 10-12 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step is crucial—don’t skip cooling the crust completely so the filling won’t melt it!

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemony Cream Filling

While the crust cools, it’s time to make the filling. In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. I use my hand whisk, but an electric mixer works fine too. Then pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and whisk until everything is seamlessly combined. The mixture will thicken slightly, and that’s exactly what you want. Don’t overwhisk here to avoid incorporating too much air that could cause bubbles or cracks later.

Step 3: Bake to Creamy Perfection

Pour your lemon filling over the cooled crust. Pop it back into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still with a slight jiggle in the center. The crust will turn a richer golden-brown by now too. Let the whole pan cool completely on a rack—this patience pays off with creamy, luscious squares. For an even firmer texture, refrigerate the squares after cooling to room temperature. When ready, lift the whole block out using the parchment ‘handles’ and slice into 9 big squares or 16 smaller bites. Be gentle when cutting; use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Crust Thickness: Pressing the crust firmly and up the sides makes a perfect frame so the filling doesn’t leak out—don’t skimp here.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice just can’t compete—freshly squeezed gives you that bright, vibrant tartness that brings the squares to life.
Cooking Timing: Keep a close eye while baking the filling—overbaking can make it dry and rubbery, which I learned the hard way early on!
Cutting Clean Squares: Chill the squares thoroughly before slicing, and use a hot, wet knife for clean edges without cracking.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe

Creamy Lemon Squares, lemon squares recipe, lemon dessert recipe, easy lemon bars, tangy lemon dessert - The image shows a grid of lemon bars neatly cut into squares, each with two layers: a thick crumbly light brown crust on the bottom and sides, and a smooth, pale yellow lemon layer on top. The lemon layer looks creamy and shiny, sitting evenly above the crumbly crust. The bars rest on white parchment paper, placed on a black cooling rack which lies on a white marbled surface. A small green mint sprig and lemon wedges add fresh color nearby, and a striped cloth is softly out of focus in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving—adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the lemon. Sometimes I sprinkle on a few thin lemon zest strips or a sprig of fresh mint for color and a dash of herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

These lemon squares pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled rosé on a warm day. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or simple vanilla yogurt for a balanced plate that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these creamy lemon squares in dessert trifles with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream, making an impressive but effortless showstopper. You can also cut them into bite-sized shapes using small cookie cutters for parties—it’s always a hit when people can eat these lemon treats as finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover lemon squares covered tightly in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 4 days—often, they taste even better after a day as the flavors meld. I just bring them to room temp or enjoy chilled directly.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable, but make sure to cut the squares first and wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. Texture might be a little less crisp on the crust, but the creamy filling stays luscious.

Reheating

I usually don’t heat these up since the creaminess is best cold or room temperature, but if you want a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which risks breaking down the filling.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

While you technically can, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe because it provides a brighter, fresher flavor that bottled juice just can’t match. The tartness and aroma from fresh lemons really elevate the filling.
How do I prevent cracks in the lemon filling?

To avoid cracks, don’t overbake the filling and avoid whisking too vigorously to reduce air bubbles. Also, cooling the bars slowly at room temperature before refrigerating helps keep the surface smooth and creamy.
Can I make the crust with a different type of cookie?

Absolutely! Digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or gluten-free crackers all work well as substitutes for graham crackers, giving you flexibility depending on what you have or dietary needs.
How should I store leftover creamy lemon squares?

Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best texture, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe is one of those easy-to-love desserts that I’m always excited to share with friends and family. Its perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors has brought smiles to many of our kitchen conversations. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these just as much as I have—once you try them, they’ll definitely become your go-to for brightening up any day.