These easy to make Lemon and Walnut squares have a sweet, nutty filling that is the perfect foil to the zingy lemon icing on top. A favourite of my late Mom – who liked all things lemony – they make a great addition to any Christmas cookie tray.
The recipe is a bit of a mystery as I don’t recall my Mom ever saying where she got it. The paper is so brittle now I’m guessing the recipe is from the 1940’s or 50’s but other than that I have no clue.
One thing I do know though is that these Lemon and Walnut Squares really are delicious!
Lemon and Walnut Squares
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter softened
- 1½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup coconut
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1¼ cups brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- For the icing
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice you may not need it all
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (170℃ or 160℃ for a fan oven).
- Lightly butter an 8 inch square pan.
- Cream together the butter, flour and white sugar. Pat the mixture into the pan.
- Bake for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Mix together the coconut, walnuts, brown sugar, baking powder and eggs in a medium bowl.
- Spread the mixture over the base evenly.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- The squares often look very brown when they come out of the oven but don’t worry, that is exactly as it should be. Set them aside to cool.
- When the squares are cool, make the frosting.
- Beat together the ¼ cup softened butter and the confectioner's sugar.
- Add the vanilla and beat together well.
- Gradually add the lemon juice, a tablespoonful at a time, beating well after each addition until you get a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Spread the frosting over the squares in the pan. Chill in the fridge before cutting in small squares. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Tried this recipe?Mention @apriljharris or tag #apriljharris!
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Looks delicious April I love it,I love the crunch of walnut and tangy lemon perfect for any time of the day.
Thank you, Swathi!
Sounds sooo good, and how wonderful to have a cherished family recipe to keep. Love that you continue to make it!
Thank you, Patricia! Family food history is something I’m really passionate about 🙂
I love discovering treasured family recipes and these looks delicious!
Me too, Linda 🙂 And thank you!
G’day Love reading and seeing your family recipes April!
Cheers! Joanne Pinned, yummed
Thank you so much, Joanne! I really appreciate the pin and yum too 🙂
My mom would totally love these! I think I’ll make them for her for Christmas. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
My pleasure, Debi! I hope your mom enjoys them 🙂
Great looking bars here! Thanks so much for sharing this one.
Thank you, Dan 🙂
Oh my, these look delicious April. I would love to reach out and grab one now, for breakfast too 🙂 Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Blog Hop. Hope you can join me today.
Thank you so much, Claire!
This sounds so yummy April! Yum! You always have the best desserts. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Carol 🙂 Merry Christmas!