If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts tangy, creamy, and impossibly easy, look no further than these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares. With a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious lemon filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or just want to brighten up a weekday dinner, this cheerful treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Zesty Lemon Cream Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares is in their simplicity—just a handful of staple ingredients, each selected to create the best flavor and texture. Every component brings something special, from the rich, toasty crust to the vibrant citrus in the creamy filling.

Graham cracker crumbs: Bring a lightly sweet, nutty base for the crust that perfectly cradles the lemony filling.
Granulated sugar: Enhances both the crust and the filling, ensuring just the right amount of sweetness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and binds the crust, creating that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to a velvety, creamy filling with a luxurious texture and a hint of extra sweetness.
Large egg yolks: Give body and silkiness to the lemon layer, helping it set up just right when baked.
Fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons): Brings the bright, tangy punch that makes these squares so vibrant—freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
Lemon zest: Adds aromatic oils and a lively extra zing that boosts the lemony character of the dessert.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light snowfall of sugar just before serving makes for a beautiful, elegant finish.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Cream Squares

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This quick step saves you so much hassle when it’s time to slice and serve your perfectly chilled squares.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter. Mix everything together until you get the texture of damp sand and every crumb is glistening. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—use your hands or the back of a flat measuring cup for best results. Bake the crust for 8 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool for just a bit.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Zesty Lemon Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and that lovely lemon zest. Stir until the mixture turns silky and smooth. This lemony custard is where the Zesty Lemon Cream Squares get all their vibrance and creamy lift, so don’t hold back on the zest!

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the lemon filling over the lightly cooled crust, spreading it into an even layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly. The aroma as these bake is truly sunshine in the kitchen!

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Slice

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours—this helps the filling firm up and makes slicing much easier. When you’re ready to serve, lift out the bars using the parchment paper edges and cut into 9 neat squares. A dusting of powdered sugar is the final touch.

How to Serve Zesty Lemon Cream Squares

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar right before serving. If you want to really lean into the citrus theme, add thin strips of lemon zest or delicate curls of candied lemon peel. A single fresh raspberry or mint leaf on each square adds color and a hint of elegance.

Side Dishes

These Zesty Lemon Cream Squares pair beautifully with fresh berries, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or a tall glass of iced tea. If you’re serving dessert after a rich meal, their bright flavor works wonders as a palate cleanser.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your squares into smaller bites and serving them as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruit and chocolate-dipped shortbread. For parties, you can also place each square in a patterned cupcake liner or arrange them in a checkerboard design on a decorative tray. Layered into dessert jars with crumbled graham crackers and whipped cream, they make adorable picnic treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Zesty Lemon Cream Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and luscious for up to 4 days, making them a wonderful make-ahead dessert for get-togethers or sweet snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

Yes, Zesty Lemon Cream Squares freeze beautifully! After they’re fully chilled and sliced, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these bars—they’re best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen your squares, just let them thaw gradually in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to keep that creamy filling just right.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh-squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in both the flavor and aroma of these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares. Whenever possible, reach for fresh lemons!

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

Feel free to get creative! Crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies make lovely substitutes for the graham cracker crust, each bringing their own unique flavor.

Are there any egg-free alternatives for this recipe?

Egg yolks help give the filling its signature creamy texture and structure, but you can experiment with egg replacers designed for custards, such as a mix of sweetened condensed milk and cornstarch, though results may vary from the original.

How do I know when the filling is done baking?

The center should be just set and no longer jiggly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause the filling to crack, so keep an eye on it after the 15-minute mark for the smoothest, creamiest texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may be just a bit longer, so be sure to check for that just-set center before removing from the oven.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall head over heels for these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares as much as I do—their vibrant flavor and creamy texture are liable to make them a family favorite in no time. Gather your ingredients, get zesting, and treat yourself to a little slice of sunshine today!

Zesty Lemon Cream Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Yield: 9 squares 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing citrus flavor of these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares. These creamy and tangy squares are the perfect dessert for any occasion, from summer gatherings to holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare the Filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour over the crust.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve: Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.