Oh my goodness, if there’s one thing that instantly brightens up my kitchen and my whole mood, it’s anything lemon! There’s just something so cheerful and zesty about that citrusy tang, right? And let me tell you, this easy lemon dessert is like a little ray of sunshine in every single bite. It’s not fancy or complicated, which is exactly why I love it so much. It’s the kind of treat you can whip up when you just need a little pick-me-up, or when friends are popping over unexpectedly.

I remember the first time I made this – it was a gloomy, rainy Saturday, and I was just craving something bright. I pulled out some lemons, and before I knew it, the house smelled absolutely incredible. The aroma of fresh lemon baking… seriously, nothing beats it! And the best part? It really is *so* easy. You don’t need any special skills or weird ingredients. Just simple pantry staples and a few beautiful lemons. The result is this unbelievably moist, tender, and perfectly tangy square of happiness. It’s become my go-to when I need a guaranteed winner without any stress.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Dessert

Okay, so besides the fact that it tastes like pure joy? Here’s why this easy lemon dessert is going to become your new favorite:

It’s genuinely *quick* to throw together. Perfect for those sudden sweet cravings!
The flavor is SO vibrant and tangy, it’s like a little party in your mouth.
It’s totally versatile! Great for a simple weeknight treat or dressed up for a potluck.
Honestly, the smell while it bakes is reason enough to make it. Pure bliss!

Gather Your Ingredients for This Delightful Lemon Dessert

Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of this lemon dessert is that you probably have most of these things hiding in your pantry or fridge already. Here’s what you’ll need to gather up to make this sunshiney treat:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, and this is key – make sure it’s softened! Not melted, just nice and soft so your finger leaves a little dent.
1 cup granulated sugar. Just your regular white sugar will do the trick.
2 large eggs. Room temperature is always best for baking, if you can manage it!
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Please, please use fresh lemons here. It makes such a difference!
1 teaspoon lemon zest. Grab a microplane or fine grater and get that fragrant yellow peel!
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Simple, plain flour is perfect.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder. This gives our dessert a nice lift.
1/4 teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to balance out all that sweetness and tang.
1/2 cup milk. Any kind will work!

See? Nothing too wild or fancy! Just good, honest ingredients ready to transform into something delicious.

Equipment Needed for Your Perfect Lemon Dessert

Okay, before we get mixing, let’s make sure you have your tools ready! You won’t need anything super fancy, just the basics you probably already have. Grab a couple of mixing bowls (one large, one medium), a whisk for your dry bits, a sturdy spoon or a mixer (your choice!), and an 8×8 inch baking pan. That’s it! Simple, right?

How to Prepare This Bright Lemon Dessert

Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens and your kitchen starts smelling absolutely incredible. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous lemon dessert ready to devour in no time.

First things first, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your 8×8 inch baking pan. You want to make sure nothing sticks, so give it a good grease and then dust it with flour. Tap out any extra flour.
Now, in your big mixing bowl, let’s cream together that lovely softened butter and the granulated sugar. Beat it really well until it’s light and fluffy. This is where you build the base of your dessert, getting air into it for a tender crumb.
Next, crack in those two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in that gorgeous fresh lemon juice and the fragrant lemon zest. It’ll smell so good already!
In your other bowl, quickly whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, and salt. Just a quick mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Here’s a little trick for the best texture: we’re going to add the dry ingredients and the milk alternately to your wet mixture. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, mix just until combined, then add half the milk, mix, then another third of the dry, the rest of the milk, and finally the last of the dry. Remember to start and end with the flour mixture! Don’t overmix – just stir until you don’t see any dry streaks.
Pour that lovely batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to settle it.
Pop it into the preheated oven! Now, bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted right into the center comes out clean.
The hardest part – letting it cool! Let it cool in the pan for a bit before you even think about slicing into it. It helps it set up properly.

And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, bright lemon dessert! See? Told you it was easy!

Tips for Success with Your Lemon Dessert

Making this lemon dessert is pretty straightforward, but a few little things can make it go from good to absolutely amazing. Trust me on these!

Room Temperature is Your Friend: Try to have your butter and eggs at room temperature. It helps them cream together beautifully and gives you a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix!: Once you start adding the dry and wet ingredients, mix *just* until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your dessert tough, and we want it tender and moist!
Cooling is Crucial: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting the dessert cool in the pan before slicing really helps it set up properly. Patience pays off here!

Follow these little pointers, and you’ll get a perfectly baked, wonderfully tangy lemon dessert every single time!

Variations on Your Lemon Dessert

The basic recipe for this lemon dessert is fantastic on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a little, right? The great thing is, this recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize!

Want even *more* citrus punch? Try adding a little bit of orange or lime zest along with the lemon zest.
A simple glaze takes it to the next level! Just mix powdered sugar with a tiny bit of lemon juice or milk until it’s drizzling consistency.
You could also stir in about a quarter cup of poppy seeds with the dry ingredients for a classic lemon-poppy seed vibe.

Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own! It’s hard to go wrong with this bright and happy base.

Common Questions About Making Lemon Dessert

Okay, so you’ve got questions? Totally normal! Baking can sometimes feel like a science experiment, but I’m here to help you navigate any little bumps. Here are a few things people often ask about making this lemon dessert:

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Honestly? I really, *really* recommend using fresh lemon juice and zest for this recipe. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same bright, vibrant flavor as fresh. The zest is also super important for that intense lemon aroma and taste. If you absolutely *have* to, bottled will technically work, but it won’t be quite the same sunshiney experience!

How do I know when the lemon dessert is done baking?

Besides the toothpick test (inserting a toothpick in the center should come out clean!), the edges of the dessert will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. The top should look golden brown and feel springy if you gently press it. Don’t be afraid to check a couple of spots!

What’s the best way for storing lemon dessert?

Once it’s completely cooled (super important!), you can store this lemon dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, it’s best to pop it in the fridge, where it will keep for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped so it doesn’t dry out!

Can I freeze this lemon dessert?

Yep! This lemon dessert freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Estimated Nutritional Information for This Lemon Dessert

Just a quick note about the numbers! This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for this lemon dessert, based on the ingredients listed and dividing it into 9 servings. Keep in mind that using different brands or making little tweaks might change these slightly, but it gives you a good general idea. You’re looking at around 280 Calories per serving, with about 12g of Fat, 4g of Protein, and 40g of Carbohydrates.

Enjoy Your Homemade Lemon Dessert

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve brought a little ray of sunshine into your kitchen. I really hope you give this easy lemon dessert a try – it’s truly one of my favorites. Bake it, share it, and most importantly, enjoy every single tangy, sweet bite! If you make it, please come back and leave a comment to let me know how you liked it (or even rate the recipe!). Happy baking!

Easy Lemon Dessert: 280 Calories Per Square

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Bright and tangy lemon dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the dessert cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Lemon dessert, lemon cake, lemon squares, citrus dessert