These Creamy Lemon Squares are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a silky smooth lemon filling that practically melts in your mouth. What sets these lemon squares apart is their incredibly creamy texture – the filling is rich and luxurious without being heavy, and the bright lemon flavor shines through beautifully. The contrast between the crisp, golden crust and the velvety lemon layer creates a delightful eating experience that’s both refreshing and satisfying. These squares are ideal for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or anytime you crave something citrusy and elegant. The recipe makes 16 generous squares and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Serves: 16
What You’ll Need for the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
What You’ll Need for the Lemon Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Getting Your Kitchen Ready
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes cutting and serving much simpler. Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor – bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare to the bright, fresh taste of newly squeezed lemons.
Making the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture. Keep working until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces throughout.
Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create an even layer. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, until it’s lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
Creating the Creamy Lemon Filling
While the crust bakes, prepare your lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly lightened in color.
Whisk in the flour until there are no lumps, then add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. The heavy cream is what gives these squares their signature creamy texture.
Baking the Lemon Squares
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. This helps the filling set properly and creates a good seal between the layers. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
The top should be lightly golden but not browned. If it starts browning too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Cooling and Finishing
Allow the lemon squares to cool completely in the pan, which takes about an hour. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the cooled squares for another hour before cutting. This helps the filling firm up nicely.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan, then place it on a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the neatest appearance.
The Final Touch
Just before serving, dust the squares lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and an extra hint of sweetness that complements the tart lemon perfectly.
Storage and Serving
These lemon squares can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re delicious served chilled or at room temperature. For the best texture, remove them from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving if you prefer them less cold.
What Makes These Special
The addition of heavy cream to the filling is what makes these lemon squares exceptionally creamy and rich. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides bright, authentic lemon flavor, while the buttery shortbread crust offers the perfect textural contrast. These squares strike the ideal balance between sweet and tart, making them irresistible to both kids and adults.
