Description
Creamy Lemon Squares feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon filling made from sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. These delightful squares are baked to perfection, offering a refreshing dessert with a rich, creamy texture and vibrant citrus 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over two sides to help remove the lemon squares later.
- Make the Crust: Break up the graham crackers and pulse them in a food processor until crumbly. Add the sugar and melted butter, then pulse again until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up 1 inch on the sides of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust cools, whisk the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth using a whisk or electric mixer. Add fresh lemon juice and whisk until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lemon squares cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. For a firmer texture, refrigerate after cooling to room temperature. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the dessert out of the pan. Cut into 16 mini squares or 9 larger squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Refrigerating the squares after baking helps them set better and improves slicing.
- You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal without breaking the squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (assuming 16 servings)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
