Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
1 cup unsalted, cold butter (cut into small cubes)
1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
4 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Mix all-purpose flour, salt, and 1 cup granulated sugar until well combined
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture, and work with a pastry blender or your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs
Press the crust firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and set, then remove and cool slightly
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar and the eggs until smooth
Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and return to the oven
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the filling is just set and the edges are lightly golden
Cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
Once chilled, cut into 16–20 squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
Chilling the squares ensures a clean cut and a firmer texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Classic American Cake Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg