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Bright and tangy creamy lemon squares with a sweet and tart flavor, perfect for a summer dessert.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 small squares or 9 larger squares 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
  • 24 squares graham crackers (for crust)
  • ¼ cup sugar (for crust)
  • 2 egg yolks (for filling)
  • 1 can (12 oz) sweetened condensed milk (for filling)
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with melted butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  3. Break graham crackers into smaller pieces and pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
  4. Add sugar and melted butter to crumbs and pulse until combined.
  5. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and push about 1 inch up the sides to create crust.
  6. Bake crust for 10-12 minutes until light brown and let cool completely in the pan.
  7. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
  8. Stir in fresh lemon juice until fully combined.
  9. Pour lemon filling over cooled crust and bake for another 15-20 minutes until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
  10. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for firmer squares if desired.
  11. Lift lemon squares from pan using parchment paper edges, transfer to cutting board, and cut into 16 smaller squares or 9 larger pieces.

Notes

Add 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest to the filling for extra lemon flavor., If filling is too loose, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to help it set without affecting taste., Chill lemon squares in the fridge before cutting for cleaner slices., Wipe knife clean between cuts for sharp edges., Store leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days., Lemon squares can be frozen whole wrapped tightly; freeze uncut and thaw before slicing for best texture., If filling is runny, possible causes include underbaking, too much lemon juice, or not whisking well. Adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can help set filling.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square