These lemon squares are a tried and true family favourite! My Grannie found this recipe on the back of an Eaglebrand Sweetened Condensed milk can many years ago and has been making them for our family ever since. I love seeing my kids enjoy these delicious squares the same way I did a child!
- 1 can eaglebrand milk
- 12 graham crackers
- ½ cup lemon juice {fresh/bottled or mixed}
- 1 tsp grated lemon rind
- 1 cup lemon icing
- Blend condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon rind until thick.
- Layer bottom of a 9 X 9 inch pan with graham crackers.
- Pour a layer of milk mixture over top.
- Continue layering milk mixture and graham crackers.
- Top with lemon icing. Refrigerate.
The ingredient list for these squares is as basic as it looks! I typically have the graham crackers and sweetened condensed milk on hand, so if I need a quick dessert to take to a church activity or other get together I can make them easily. You can substitute the fresh squeezed lemon juice for bottled lemon juice if you’re in a pinch.
First thing you’ll do is squeeze the lemons. You’ll need 3-4 lemons, depending on how large they are, to get 1/2 cup of lemon juice. As mentioned, you can also use bottled lemon juice. In a bowl, blend the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk together. Grate 1 tsp of lemon rind into the mixture.
Line the bottom of a 9×9 inch pan with graham crackers. I like to cut off the corners so the crackers can rest closer to the edges of the pan. Next layer 1/2 of the milk and lemon juice mixture on top of the graham crackers. Follow that with another layer of graham crackers. Pour the remaining milk mixture on top of the graham crackers, spread it out and top with graham crackers.
Finish off the squares with a layer of lemon icing on top of the final layer of graham crackers. You could use store-bought icing or here is our favourite lemon icing recipe:
Lemon Icing:
1/2 cup butter
3-4 tsp milk
3 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp lemon extract or lemon juice
2-3 drops of yellow food colouring
Cream butter and icing sugar, mix in 3-4 tsp milk depending on the consistency you want. Gradually beat in lemon extract or lemon juice to taste. Add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix well.
Once the squares are finished, refrigerate them. They’re best served after sitting for a few hours, when the graham crackers have softened. I hope you enjoy these simple and delicious squares as much as our family does! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart and are such an easy dessert to throw together in a hurry. Double the recipe and take it to a Summer picnic, it’s great for a crowd!
For more simple recipes for you and your family to enjoy check out:
Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
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These lemon squares look amazing, Rebecca! I will have to make them for my husband. He loves lemon. I remember my Grandma made a lot of recipes from box labels and they were always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Katie…you’ll have to let me know what you/your husband think if you try them. Funny how some of the best recipes can be found in the most obscure places! 🙂
Oh this looks incredible!!!
Thanks Stephanie! 🙂
I love ANYTHING lemon, so I’m pinning this right now!
Speaking of lemon, at my wedding a couple weeks ago we had a chocolate cake and a lemon cake. When people found out the lemon cake wasn’t vanilla, they chose chocolate instead. What’s up with the lemon discrimination?? Oh well, it meant more leftovers for me! 🙂
Thanks for sharing Kelly — I’m obsessed with lemon too, so I would have had the lemon cake! 🙂
Looks amazing! Can’t wait to try them. I may be making these for Mother’s Day (as a gift to myself). I love no bake desserts, especially in the summer when it’s too hot to turn the oven on.thanks for posting the recipe.
I love lemon too! Can’t wait to try these! Thanks for the recipe.
Those look so yummy and quick to make.
They are SO yummy and the easiest thing ever. 🙂
I’ve never seen anything like these. So pretty! And easy!!
This sounds so delicious, I love lemon desserts. And besides sounding delicious, the layers look PERFECT! 🙂
These look absolutely amazing. I’m a lover of all things lemon, so this is right up my ally. My husband is the youth pastor at our church and one of the girls LOVES lemon bars. I’m going to have to make some of these for us to enjoy. I’d be thrilled if you’d link up at this week’s Off the Hook!
Wow I was in a down mood and this just stop that negativeness dead in its tracks. The recipe is easy and was thinking what to do with the left over sweetened milk I had and now I know.
Hi Rebecca! I absolutely love lemon and these sound so delicious – love that they’re no bake! Visiting from I Heart Nap Time – pinning! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Thanks so much for stopping by Cindy! 🙂
You ROCK for linking up this week to Tip Me Tuesday. {high fives} Just a heads up, Tip Junkie can help you index your blog more effectively if you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room! Simply login and click “add a project” on your profile page to get started. {yep I’ve got your back!} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
Link ~ http://www.tipjunkie.com/how-to-add-a-craft-room-project-on-tip-junkie
I am having a hard time getting the initial mixture of juice and milk to thicken, what am I doing wrong?? I tried whisking it by hand and machine, it stayed the same consistency…was sooooo looking forward to these for Easter :(. TIA