This Old-Fashioned Lemon Squares recipe is tart, buttery, and sweet. The crust is a simple buttery shortbread crust topped with a lemon curd filling made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a touch of lemon curd for extra lemon flavor.
I’ll confess, I’m quite discerning when it comes to lemon desserts. In fact, you can say that I am not a fan of most lemon desserts such as Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Cookies, and even lemon pudding (if that is a thing). Not a fan. However, the one lemon dessert that I LOVE are Old Fashioned Lemon Squares. It’s the quintessential treat for those who adore a good lemon dessert square. There’s something about the contrast of that crumbly crust and the smooth, tangy filling that just sings to my tastebuds.
If you adore citrus desserts, especially with a vintage appeal, this recipe will be your new best friend. Many call them Old Fashioned Lemon Bars Recipe, and they’re right; the terms are often used interchangeably!
Why This Recipe Hits the Sweet Spot for Lemon Squares
What makes this recipe stand out for making the best Old Fashioned Lemon Squares? It’s the balance. The shortbread crust is sturdy enough to hold the filling but delicate enough to melt in your mouth. And the lemon custard? It’s a symphony of flavors – bright, citrusy, and with just the right amount of sweetness to create that perfect tart lemon squares experience that will keep you coming back for more. For those who like a little extra tang, these tart lemon bars will be your new favorite! Plus, it’s much easier to make than you might think!

How to Make These Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (Or Lemon Squares!)
These tangy lemon squares are quite simple to make. Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: The Shortbread Crust
We begin with a classic shortbread crust—a blend of flour, sugar, and butter that creates a wonderfully crumbly base for our lemon dessert squares. The key is to use cold butter. Grating it into the dry ingredients ensures it blends evenly and creates that signature texture.
- Combine 1 c. all-purpose flour, ⅛ tsp. salt, and ⅓ c. powdered sugar.
- Grate in 1 stick cold, unsalted butter.
- Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 2: The Lemon Custard Filling
While the crust bakes, prepare the star of the show: the lemon filling for our delicious Old Fashioned Lemon Squares. You’ll need
- 4 large eggs
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ¼ c. lemon curd (more on that in a bit).
- Mix in all the ingredients (eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon curd) with your stand mixer or use your handheld mixer until the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Baking and Cooling
- Pour the lemon custard filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Place back in the oven for 25 minutes or until set. The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Allow the tart lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature for a few hours to ensure the custard filling sets well.
- For an extra chill and to help the filling set further, refrigerate them to speed up this process and enhance the taste.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

A Deep Dive Into Ingredients for the Best Lemon Dessert Squares
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is non-negotiable. Bottled juice just doesn’t deliver the same bright, vibrant, tart lemon squares flavor. Roll your lemons on the counter before squeezing to get the most juice out of them.
- Lemon Curd: While optional, adding lemon curd elevates these Old Fashioned Lemon Squares. It intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a luxurious creaminess.
- Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is essential for the crust. Grating it helps it incorporate evenly, creating that flaky shortbread texture.
- Eggs: Use large eggs. They help bind the filling and create a smooth, velvety custard.
Storing Your Old Fashioned Lemon Squares
Store your Old Fashioned Lemon Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- A generous dusting of powdered sugar is a must.
- Garnish with candied lemon peel, if you would like.
Enjoy the timeless delight of these Old Fashioned Lemon Squares. They’re sure to become a favorite!

Commonly Asked Questions
No. The filling should be okay without it. I found that the lemon curd does enhance the flavor a bit though and makes the lemon bars better.
You definitely don’t want to serve these bars hot or warm. You need to allow them to cool at room temperature for a few hours to ensure the custard filling sets well. I do refrigerate them to speed up this process and I think having a chill on the squares makes them taste better too.
This might be okay. When I make this easy lemon squares recipe, I do find there to be a bit of dried foam around the perimeter. This does not affect the taste. Also, after you dust it with powdered sugar you won’t be able to tell.
Similar Recipes
If you like this lemon dessert recipe, you will enjoy the ones listed below!
- No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Parfait
- Lemon and Cherry Dump Cake
- Strawberry Lemonade Bars
- Lemon Pudding Cake

Old-Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
This tart lemon bar recipe features a crispy buttery crust and a yummy tart lemon filling.
Ingredients
SHORTBREAD CRUST
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/3 c. powdered sugar
- 1 stick cold, unsalted butter, grated
LEMON FILLING
- 4 large eggs
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 c. lemon curd
- Garnish: Powdered Confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Typically, the crust can be made in a food processor by adding in all the ingredients until it becomes a dough. However, if you do not have a food processor, in a large bowl add all the dry ingredients together and stir with a fork.
- Add in the cold butter (use a cheese grater to grate the butter) and with a fork or your hands; blend in the butter with the dry ingredients.
- In a greased 9X13 baking pan, line with parchment paper, take the dough and use your fingertips to press the dough evenly into the square pan. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside and allow to cool.
- Mix in all the ingredients (eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon curd) with your stand mixer or use your handheld mixer until the mixture is smooth about 5 minutes
- Pour this over the baked crust and place back in the oven for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool at room temperature and set in the refrigerator to continue cooling.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with candied lemon peel, if you would like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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