Luscious Lemon Dream Squares: Tangy Lemon Bars Recipe

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Lemon and nostalgia make a delightful pair. Carmen Hacker, a longtime friend of Amish365, shares this memory about the recipe:

This is one of my favorite desserts from the Seventies and a real crowd pleaser at summer gatherings when a light, refreshing finish is just right.

Lemon desserts are popular among the Amish even though lemons are not native to their communities. Because lemons ship well, they’re commonly available in bulk food stores owned by Amish families. Amish cooks have embraced lemons in many ways—juices, muffins, breads, and even savory dishes like lemon chicken. And who can resist the bright flavor of lemon zest?

There’s a slightly simpler variation of this recipe called Lucious Layered Lemon Dessert that’s also worth trying.

In warm months, homemade lemonade is a staple. Many summer porch visits end with a frosty mug of lemonade and good conversation.

Use a pastry blender for the crust for the best texture.

For the center layer, beat the cream cheese mixture until it is smooth and spreadable.

This vibrant lemon layer creates the signature flavor in these Lucious Lemon Dream Squares.

For best results refrigerate the dessert for several hours or overnight so the layers set cleanly.

🍋 Lucious Lemon Dream Squares

Crust

• 1-½ sticks butter, softened
• 1-½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping

Center layer

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 8-oz. package softened cream cheese
• ½ of an 8-oz. container of whipped topping (save the rest for topping)

Lemon layer

• 2.9 oz. box Jell-O Cook and Serve Lemon Pudding Mix
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 2 egg yolks

📋 Instructions

Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the butter, flour, and chopped pecans with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse pie dough; it will be slightly crumbly.
3. Coat the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray and press the crust mixture evenly into the pan.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes, until just lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool while you prepare the next layer.

Center layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture if desired.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Lemon layer

1. In a medium saucepan, blend the lemon pudding mix, sugar, ¼ cup of the water, and the egg yolks until smooth.
2. Whisk in the remaining water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
3. Let the lemon mixture cool about 15 minutes, then spread it carefully over the cream cheese layer.
4. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for several hours or ideally overnight so the layers fully set.
5. Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the lemon layer and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans.
6. Cut into 12–16 squares, using a metal spatula to lift pieces from the pan for clean squares. Store leftovers refrigerated.

🍋 More Amish Recipes With Lemon

Lemon Bars – A classic, tangy treat.

Lancaster Lemonade – A refreshing, old-fashioned lemonade.

White Chocolate and Lemon Cheesecake – A creamy, zesty dessert for special occasions.

🖨️ Full Recipe