Lemon Graham Squares
Lemon Graham Squares are a sweet, tangy dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, coconut, nuts, and a lemon icing, perfect for gatherings and afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with whole graham crackers.
- In a saucepan, heat the margarine, milk, sugar, and egg until boiling.
- Add coconut, chopped nuts, and graham cracker crumbs to the mixture.
- Spread the mixture over the crackers in the pan.
- Chill the dessert until set.
- Frost with Lemon Icing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the coconut with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist. If you don’t have chopped nuts on hand, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well too. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan for a better texture. Chill thoroughly to ensure the squares hold their shape when cut.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Graham Squares are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a refreshing cup of iced tea or lemonade, making them perfect for summer gatherings. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Holiday Turkey or as a sweet ending to a barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Graham Squares contains roughly 381 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular sugar, but granulated sugar dissolves better in the mixture, giving a smoother texture. If you want to use a sugar alternative, be sure to check the conversion ratios, as they may differ from granulated sugar.
What can I use instead of coconut if I don’t like it?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with finely chopped dried fruit like apricots or raisins, or simply increase the amount of nuts. This will still give you a delicious texture without the coconut flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Lemon Graham Squares gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this treat without compromising your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).