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Creamy Lemon Squares

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly smooth, these Creamy Lemon Squares deliver all the flavor of lemon meringue pie—without the fuss. A buttery graham cracker crust supports a silky lemon filling that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a refreshing finish make this

Recipe Overview

Yield: 16 squares

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 1–2 hours

Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Extra butter, for greasing the pan

For the Lemon Filling

2 large egg yolks

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

Optional: zest of 1 lemon

Tip: Fresh lemon juice is essential—bottled juice lacks the brightness needed for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to make lifting easier.

2. Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides.

3. Bake the Crust

Bake for 8–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely—this prevents the filling from melting on contact.

4. Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Assemble & Bake

Pour the filling over the cooled crust and gently spread to the edges. Bake for 15 minutes, just until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Do not overbake.

6. Chill & Slice

Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is ideal). Lift out using parchment, and cut into 16 squares with a serrated knife.

Pro Tip: Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Serving Ideas

Dust lightly with powdered sugar

Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices

Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream

Pair with iced tea, espresso, or sparkling water

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