Easy Lemon Squares, these tangy squares are quick, easy and so delicious, made with a buttery shortbread base and a fresh lemon filling. Easy and tasty bars.

Easy Lemon Squares

This recipe for Lemon Squares was given to me by my amazing cousin, who I can’t wait to see again (soon!!) and I think they would be great to make for all the lemon-loving dessert people out there.

My mother loved baking with lemons, from Lemon Bread to Lemon Cake it seems we can never get enough. In Italy there is a never-ending abundance of lemons, everyone has a lemon tree or two or three.

Funny thing is, my husband and I plant and plant lemon trees and the trees look beautiful, but no lemons. Very strange. But that doesn’t keep us from trying.

When we first arrived in Italy, one week after our wedding, we lived in a beautiful house that belonged to my brother-in-law. And we planted, yup you guessed it, our first lemon tree, and of course we never saw not even one lemon.

Eight years later we moved into our own home, and that lovely lemon tree started to produce and I mean produce tons of lemons! Lucky for them!

So here we are, 9 years later with a few nice green trees and unfortunately still no lemons. Maybe it is time to think about moving again… Thank goodness everyone we know has lemon producing trees.

Thank goodness, when I share these Lemon Squares or any of my Lemon Treats I certainly receive an overabundance of lemons.

How to make Lemon Squares

In a medium bowl, beat on medium speed the butter and powdered sugar until combined.
Add the flour and beat again until a soft dough forms.
Pat evenly onto the bottom of a 8×8 (20×20 cm) baking pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes, remove from the oven.

In a medium bowl, beat together, the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, fresh lemon juice and pinch of salt.
Pour over baked crust and return to the oven for about 20-25 minutes (until the centre is set).
Cool in the pan.
You may want to refrigerate them before cutting, it makes it easier to cut into clean even squares.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to know when Lemon Bars are done

You know when Lemon Bars are done when you gently shake the pan and the filling is set and no longer jiggles. Be sure to let the squares completely cool before cutting.

I like to let them cool at room temperature for about an hour then refrigerate for about 1-2 hours before cutting.

How to store Lemon Squares

The squares should be stored in the fridge, although they can be left out for a few hours while they are being served. They will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Lemon Squares can also be frozen, be sure to wrap the cooled bars tightly in either plastic wrap or foil wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to thaw the frozen cookies in the fridge.

These Lemon Bars are perfect as a dessert or even an afternoon snack, amazing with a cup of tea or serve to family or guests. Enjoy!

Updated from May 9, 2014.

Easy Lemon Squares