A Perfect Balance of Tangy and Sweet — Like Lemon Meringue Pie Without the Crust Drama
If you love the bright, zesty flavor of lemon but don’t want to fuss with meringue or a flaky crust, these Creamy Lemon Squares are your new go-to dessert.
With a buttery graham cracker base and a lusciously smooth, tart filling, these no-bake-style bars are like a cross between lemon pie and key lime bars — but even easier to make.
They’re:
- ✅ Creamy and dreamy
- ✅ Perfectly tangy with a hint of sweetness
- ✅ Easy to prepare — no fancy tools needed
- ✅ Chilled and refreshing — ideal for summer, holidays, or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up
Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
🍋 Creamy Lemon Squares
Makes: 16 squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1+ hour
Oven Temp: 350°F (175°C)
🧾 Ingredients
🥧 For the Crust
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full crackers)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
🍋 For the Filling
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 medium lemons)
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon (for extra citrus punch)
✅ Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice — bottled juice lacks the bright flavor you need.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides — this makes it easy to lift the whole slab out later.
2. Make the Crust
- In a bowl or food processor, combine:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sugar
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and about 1 inch up the sides to create a shallow crust.
3. Bake the Crust
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
- Remove and let cool completely — about 30 minutes.
✅ Important: A hot crust will melt the filling.
4. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Egg yolks (this adds richness and helps the filling set)
- Sweetened condensed milk (the creamy base)
- Fresh lemon juice (the star of the show)
- Optional: Add lemon zest for a burst of citrus aroma
- Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened — about 1–2 minutes.
5. Assemble & Bake
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Gently tilt the pan to spread the filling evenly to the edges.
- Bake for 15 minutes, just until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.
🔥 Don’t overbake — you want creamy, not curdled.
6. Chill & Serve
- Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour (2 hours is even better).
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire lemon slab out of the pan.
- Place on a cutting board.
- Using a serrated knife, cut into 16 even squares.
✅ Pro Tip: Wipe the knife with a damp towel between cuts for clean, smooth edges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish
- Garnish with lemon slices or zest
- Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream
- Pair with iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing dessert
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months — thaw in the fridge before serving
🍋 Why This Recipe Works
- No raw eggs in the final product — they’re gently cooked in the oven for safety and texture
- Sweetened condensed milk gives a rich, velvety texture without needing cream or eggs
- Graham cracker crust holds up beautifully and adds a buttery contrast to the tart filling
🏁 Final Thoughts: Sunshine in a Square
These Creamy Lemon Squares are everything a summer dessert should be — bright, refreshing, and impossibly creamy.
They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet elegant enough to serve at a party.
So the next time you need a dessert that wows without the work, reach for lemons and a box of graham crackers.
Because sometimes, the sweetest moments come in small, tangy squares.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Pure joy — one bite at a time.
