The Ultimate Guide to Making Irresistible Lemon Streusel Squares: Zesty, Buttery, and Perfectly Sweet
Prepare to fall in love with these absolutely gorgeous Lemon Streusel Squares! This delightful dessert begins with a rich, buttery shortbread crust that provides the perfect tender foundation. It’s then generously layered with a bright, tangy lemon curd, followed by a delightful crumble of extra shortbread streusel, and finally crowned with a sweet, zesty lemon icing drizzle. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – the crumbly, tender crust, the smooth, vibrant lemon, and the delicate, sweet glaze. These bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them an ideal choice for any gathering or a special everyday indulgence. Perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you crave a burst of citrus!
Why This Lemon Streusel Squares Recipe Works So Well
Years ago, I perfected a classic streusel bar recipe that quickly became a fan favorite due to its ease and incredible flavor. Its versatility inspired several variations, eventually leading to these utterly delightful lemon streusel squares. What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to create a dessert that literally melts in your mouth, leaving a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. I can honestly say I’ve never had a single leftover when I make a batch; they disappear almost as quickly as they’re made, a true testament to their deliciousness and widespread appeal!
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Your food processor becomes your best friend, making quick work of combining ingredients for both the buttery shortbread crust and the delectable streusel topping. This kitchen gadget significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy these treats sooner. While a food processor is highly recommended for its ease and consistent results, don’t despair if you don’t have one; you can certainly achieve similar results by hand with a pastry blender or your fingertips. It might take a little more effort and a bit longer, but the upside is fewer dishes to wash at the end. The combination of the tender, crumbly shortbread base, the bright burst of tangy lemon curd, and the delicate streusel topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a foolproof recipe designed for success, ensuring a perfect bar every single time.
Key Ingredients You Will Need for Lemon Streusel Squares
Crafting these delicious Lemon Streusel Squares requires a handful of common baking ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in creating the signature taste and texture that makes these bars so popular. Gathering all your ingredients and having them ready before you begin will ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Expert Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients is paramount to successful baking. Here’s a breakdown of the core components for these delightful Lemon Streusel Squares and how you can optimize them or make suitable substitutions:
- LEMON CURD – This is the vibrant, tangy heart of our lemon bars! To keep things incredibly simple and save precious time, feel free to use a good quality store-bought jar of lemon curd. There are many excellent brands available that offer a bright, authentic lemon flavor. However, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to truly elevate your bars with an intensely fresh and zesty taste, consider making your own homemade lemon curd. An Instant Pot makes the process surprisingly quick and easy, resulting in a supremely fresh and intense lemon flavor that’s hard to beat. Just ensure your chosen curd (store-bought or homemade) has a relatively thick consistency, so it doesn’t become too runny during baking.
- FLOUR – For the most consistent and best possible outcome in all your baked goods, including this delicate streusel crust, it is highly recommended to use a kitchen scale to measure your flour by weight (330g). This method eliminates inconsistencies that often arise from different packing methods when using volume measurements with cups. If a scale isn’t an option, the “scoop and sweep” method is your next best bet: gently scoop flour into your measuring cup using a spoon until it overflows, then level it off gently with the back of a butter knife. Avoid packing the flour down or tapping the cup on the counter to condense it, as this can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry, dense, and crumbly baked goods that lack the desired tender texture. Unbleached all-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, providing the right balance of protein for structure without being too heavy.
- BUTTER – Cold, unsalted butter is crucial for achieving that delightful coarse crumb texture in the shortbread crust and streusel topping. Keeping the butter cold ensures it doesn’t fully incorporate into the flour too quickly, creating pockets that steam during baking for a tender, flaky result. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider slightly reducing any added salt in the recipe (though this recipe doesn’t call for extra salt, so it should be fine). For the icing, melted unsalted butter contributes to a smooth, rich consistency and helps the glaze set beautifully.
- SUGAR – Granulated sugar provides the perfect sweetness and helps create the crisp, tender structure for the shortbread layers. For the icing, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is essential for a smooth, lump-free drizzle. Sifting it beforehand is a good practice to prevent any clumps and ensure a silky finish.
- VANILLA EXTRACT – A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the shortbread, adding warmth, depth, and a subtle aromatic note that beautifully complements the bright lemon. Don’t skip this subtle yet important ingredient, as it rounds out the flavors.
- LEMON EXTRACT (for icing) – This is your secret weapon for giving the icing an extra punch of concentrated lemon flavor. While fresh lemon juice can be used, lemon extract provides a more intense and consistent lemon note without adding too much liquid, which can make your icing too thin.
- MILK (for icing) – Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond or soy milk) will work to achieve the desired thick, yet drizzling consistency for the glaze. Start with a small amount (1 tablespoon) and add gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your preferred thickness.
How to Easily Make Delicious Lemon Streusel Squares: Step-by-Step Instructions
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to guide you through the process, helping you visualize how to make this delightful recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your bars are ready to bake, leading to consistent results. Next, generously grease a 9×9 square baking pan. For even easier removal and minimal clean-up, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to create convenient “slings” that you can use to lift the cooled bars out.
- Craft the Buttery Shortbread Crust and Streusel Base: In the bowl of your food processor, combine the measured unbleached all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Pulse these ingredients a few times until they are well mixed and uniformly distributed. Add the vanilla extract and pulse two or three more times to fully incorporate it. Now, add the cold, unsalted butter, which you should have cut into small, even cubes, all at once. Process the mixture in short pulses until coarse crumbs are formed and the dough just begins to come together. It’s crucial not to over-process at this stage; you want a crumbly texture, not a smooth, cohesive dough. Carefully transfer two-thirds of this crumb mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly and firmly across the bottom of the pan to form the crust. A flat-bottomed glass, the back of a measuring cup, or your clean hands can help achieve a uniform and compact layer. Set the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture aside; this will be used for your delicious streusel topping.
- Add the Tangy Lemon Curd and Streusel Topping: Gently and evenly spread the jarred (or your freshly made homemade) lemon curd over the pressed shortbread crust. Ensure the layer is consistent from edge to edge to guarantee a burst of tangy flavor in every single bite. Once the curd is spread, take the reserved one-third of the crumb mixture and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the lemon curd layer. This creates the signature streusel topping that will bake into a lovely, slightly crisp, and golden layer, providing a wonderful textural contrast.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the prepared baking pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll know these lemon bars are perfectly ready when the edges of the shortbread crust are lightly golden brown, and the streusel topping appears set, slightly crispy, and beautifully golden. The lemon curd underneath will be visibly bubbly and vibrant, indicating it has properly cooked.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Transfer it to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This step is absolutely crucial for perfectly formed Lemon Streusel Squares! Attempting to cut them while warm will result in a messy, crumbling dessert as the lemon curd needs sufficient time to set and firm up properly. Patience is key for achieving clean, beautifully shaped squares.
- Prepare and Drizzle the Zesty Lemon Glaze: While the bars are cooling, prepare the bright and zesty lemon glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar with the lemon extract, melted butter, and one tablespoon of milk. Stir these ingredients together vigorously with a whisk or spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms and there are no lumps. Gradually add small amounts of the remaining milk, a teaspoon at a time, stirring continuously, until you achieve a thick, yet drizzling consistency. The glaze should be substantial enough to hold its shape when drizzled but still flow smoothly off a spoon. Once the bars are completely cooled, cut them into individual squares (usually 9 or 12, depending on preferred size). Then, drizzle the lemon icing generously over each square. For a neat and elegant finish, you can use a small spoon, a fork, or even a piping bag with a small round tip. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving, ensuring it hardens slightly and creates a beautiful top layer.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Lemon Streusel Squares
Once your Lemon Streusel Squares have fully cooled and the glaze has completely set, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To truly preserve their delightful texture and prevent them from drying out, ensure the container is tightly sealed. If your kitchen tends to be warm or humid, or for extended freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
Absolutely! These Lemon Streusel Squares freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts, holiday baking, or simply saving some for a rainy day. To freeze, first allow the bars to cool completely and ensure the icing is fully set and firm. Then, wrap each individual square tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They will maintain their quality and deliciousness for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Both store-bought and homemade lemon curd work wonderfully for these bars. For ultimate convenience and to save time, a good quality jarred lemon curd is perfectly acceptable and will yield delicious results. Look for brands that boast a bright, natural lemon flavor. If you prefer to embark on a culinary adventure and desire an intensely fresh, vibrant lemon flavor, making your own homemade lemon curd is a fantastic option. An Instant Pot lemon curd recipe is quick and surprisingly easy, offering a fresh taste that truly shines in these bars. Just ensure your chosen curd (whether from a store or homemade) has a relatively thick consistency; if it’s too runny, the bars might become soggy.
While fresh lemon juice adds a lovely natural tartness, lemon extract is generally recommended for the icing in this recipe because it provides a more concentrated lemon flavor without adding too much liquid. Adding too much fresh lemon juice can make your icing too thin, making it difficult to achieve that desirable thick, drizzling consistency. If you opt for fresh lemon juice, start with a very small amount (e.g., half a teaspoon) and adjust the milk even more slowly to maintain the desired thickness. The extract typically gives a brighter, more consistent lemon kick to the glaze.
For an impeccably even crust, after dumping the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, use the bottom of a flat-sided glass, the back of a measuring cup, or the palm of your hand to press it down firmly and uniformly across the entire bottom. Ensure the butter is very cold and cut into small pieces before processing; this is key! Cold butter helps create those delightful coarse crumbs in the food processor and prevents the crust from becoming tough, promoting that signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Avoid over-processing the dough in the food processor; you want coarse crumbs, not a smooth paste, to achieve the ideal delicate and crumbly texture.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Lemon Streusel Squares
These exquisite Lemon Streusel Squares are truly versatile and satisfying on their own, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with different serving styles to enhance their appeal and tailor them to any occasion. They make an exquisite ending to any meal, light enough to satisfy a sweet craving without being overly heavy. Consider pairing them with a fresh cup of aromatic coffee or a delicate herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat. For a touch of extra indulgence, serve them alongside a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a berry compote, allowing the cool creaminess and fruitiness to beautifully complement the tangy lemon. These bars are also perfectly portable and sturdy, making them ideal for summer picnics, family potlucks, bake sales, or any event where you need a crowd-pleasing and utterly delicious dessert. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to enjoy its bright flavors in countless creative ways. These are undoubtedly one of my favorite dessert bar recipes, and I sincerely hope you get the chance to try them – their absolutely delicious taste is something everyone should experience!
Explore More Delicious Dessert Bar Recipes
If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these Lemon Streusel Squares, you’re in for a treat! Dessert bars are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Their ability to serve a crowd with minimal fuss makes them a staple in my kitchen. Here are some more of my favorite dessert bar recipes that I think you’ll enjoy just as much:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Cranberry Caramel Bars
- Funfetti Marshmallow Cereal Bars
- Berrylicious Cookie Bars
I am deeply passionate about baking and cooking, and I absolutely love sharing my culinary adventures and kitchen experiences with all of you! It can sometimes be challenging to remember to check back every day for new recipes, which is why I offer a convenient and free newsletter delivered right to your inbox every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, ensuring you never miss out on delicious inspiration or the latest kitchen tips!
Lemon Streusel Squares
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
For the bars
- 2 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour 330g
- ⅔ cup sugar 155g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 12 oz jar lemon curd
For the icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
- ½ Tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk
Things You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Food processor
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9×9 baking pan
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9×9 square baking pan.
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In bowl of your food processor, pulse to combine flour and sugar. Add vanilla extract and pulse two or three times to combine. Add butter all at once and process until coarse crumbs are formed, just as the dough begins to come together. Dump two-thirds of the crumb mixture into prepared pan and press evenly. Set remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour, 2/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup cold unsalted butter
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Spread lemon curd over the crumb crust. Sprinkle remaining topping over the curd.12 oz jar lemon curd
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Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
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Remove from oven to wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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For the glaze, add lemon extract, melted butter and one tablespoon of the milk to the powdered sugar. Stir to combine and add small amounts of remaining milk, as needed, until you reach a thick drizzling consistency. Drizzle over individual squares. Allow glaze to set before serving.1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract, 1/2 Tablespoon unsalted butter, 1-2 Tablespoons milk
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on February 19, 2014.