Best Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe | Easy Lemon Bars

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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

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

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