Lemon squares, also known as lemon bars, are a classic and delicious dessert with a sweet and tangy lemon filling over a buttery shortbread crust. Here’s a recipe for homemade lemon squares:

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a crumbly texture.
  4. Press the shortbread crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to do this. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
  6. Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked shortbread crust.
  7. Bake the lemon squares for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Allow the lemon squares to cool completely in the pan. Once they have cooled, you can refrigerate them for a few hours to help set the lemon filling.
  9. Once chilled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon squares out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into squares or rectangles. If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Your homemade lemon squares are ready to be enjoyed. They have a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them a perfect treat for lemon dessert lovers.