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.
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Swathi says
December 23, 2013 at 7:50 pmLooks delicious April I love it,I love the crunch of walnut and tangy lemon perfect for any time of the day.
April Harris says
December 23, 2013 at 10:22 pmThank you, Swathi!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
December 4, 2014 at 5:36 pmSounds sooo good, and how wonderful to have a cherished family recipe to keep. Love that you continue to make it!
April Harris says
December 4, 2014 at 6:59 pmThank you, Patricia! Family food history is something I’m really passionate about 🙂
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
December 5, 2014 at 3:26 amI love discovering treasured family recipes and these looks delicious!
April Harris says
December 7, 2014 at 8:55 pmMe too, Linda 🙂 And thank you!
Joanne T Ferguson says
December 5, 2014 at 8:21 amG’day Love reading and seeing your family recipes April!
Cheers! Joanne Pinned, yummed
April Harris says
December 7, 2014 at 8:56 pmThank you so much, Joanne! I really appreciate the pin and yum too 🙂
Debi @ Life Currents says
December 5, 2014 at 9:00 pmMy mom would totally love these! I think I’ll make them for her for Christmas. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
April Harris says
December 7, 2014 at 8:56 pmMy pleasure, Debi! I hope your mom enjoys them 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
December 6, 2014 at 12:42 amGreat looking bars here! Thanks so much for sharing this one.
April Harris says
December 7, 2014 at 8:56 pmThank you, Dan 🙂
Claire says
December 15, 2017 at 6:18 amOh 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.
April Harris says
December 15, 2017 at 1:44 pmThank you so much, Claire!
Carol says
December 23, 2018 at 7:32 pmThis sounds so yummy April! Yum! You always have the best desserts. Merry Christmas!
April Harris says
December 23, 2018 at 11:19 pmThank you so much, Carol 🙂 Merry Christmas!