Grandma’s Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe

If you love classic desserts, this old fashioned lemon squares recipe is for you! Simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, homemade treat that’s perfect for tea time, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.

Although lemon recipes are typically thought of as Spring or Summer recipes, the first time I remember eating them was at Grandma’s house at Christmas time!

I was a freshman in college and she enjoyed baking special treats for me and my college friends. This recipe was a memorable one that has been a favorite ever since. Now, I find it is a great recipe to take to potlucks, bridal or baby showers, or family picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

• Classic & Nostalgic – Just like Grandma used to make!
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
• Perfect Balance – A buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon filling.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for bake sales, baby showers, or tea time.

Ingredients for this Lemon Squares Recipe

(Exact measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card below!)

For the Shortbread Crust:

• all-purpose flour
• salted cold butter
• powdered sugar

For the Lemon Filling:

• eggs
• granulated sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)

Simple Instructions for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Lemon Squares

(For all the detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

This simple dessert square recipe has two parts – the buttery shortbread crust that is baked slightly before adding part 2 – the yummy lemon curd topping. Once the topping is added, it goes back into the oven to finish baking together.

To make the shortbread crust:

For the lemon filling:

Helpful Tips When Making Old Fashioned Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removal and slicing easier.
• Let them cool completely before cutting to get clean, neat squares.

How to store lemon bars.

Since lemon bars have a custard filling, it is recommended to store them covered in the refrigerator if they aren’t going to be eaten within a few hours.

I like to even store them in the freezer if I want to make them ahead for a future event.

Other squares & bars recipes you may enjoy:

• Graham Cracker Toffee Bars are so quick & easy to make – perfect for gifting, too.
• Cranberry lemon bars
• Texas Brownies
• Peanut Butter Fudge Bars Recipe
• 4-H Brownies
• Black Bean Ninja Blender Brownies
• This pecan bars recipe uses cake mix to save time.
• Want more lemon recipes? Here’s a whole list of yummy lemon recipes – savory and sweet.

For more recipes and ideas for your home:

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Grandma's Luscious Lemon Bars Recipe

Yield: 16

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Transport yourself back to Grandma’s kitchen with these old fashioned lemon squares—a timeless recipe featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust.In a medium sized bowl, mix together the flour and powdered sugar. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter until it resembles course oatmeal.
2. Press into an 8 x 8 inch pan that has been lined with parchment paper and bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Step Two: Prepare the lemon curd filling.Whisk together the eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon juice.
4. Pour the filling over the hot-from-the-oven crust and bake 20-25 minutes longer. The filling is cooked when the center is set.
5. Step Three: Let cool completely before cutting.Place lemon bars pan on a cooling rack and cool completely.
6. Remove them from by the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.
7. Cut into 16 squares.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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