Description
Creamy Lemon Squares feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon custard filling. These refreshing, sweet treats are perfect for dessert or a citrusy snack, with a rich, creamy texture balanced by bright lemon flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 24 squares graham crackers
- ¼ cup sugar
For the lemon filling:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 can (12 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
- Prepare the Pan: Butter and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging on two sides to help remove the lemon squares easily after baking.
- Make the Crust: Break graham crackers into pieces and pulse them in a food processor until finely crumbled. Add sugar and melted butter, then pulse again until combined into a crumbly mixture.
- Press Crust: Transfer the crumble to the prepared pan and firmly press it into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides to form an even crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until it turns lightly browned. Remove and let it cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth using a whisk or electric mixer. Then add fresh lemon juice and whisk until well combined.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake again in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the filling is set and crust is browned.
- Cool and Chill: Let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. For a firmer texture, refrigerate after it has cooled to room temperature.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the squares from the pan. Cut into 16 mini squares or 9 larger squares as preferred and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor in the filling.
- Be sure to cool the crust completely before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerating after cooling improves the firmness and ease of cutting.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift out the squares without breaking them.
- Substitute graham cracker crust with digestive biscuits if graham crackers are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
