About the Recipe
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, the tales of mischievous leprechauns have taken over our household. My kids are already plotting what they’d do if they ever caught one, and my eldest insists he saw one a few years ago. The "evidence" of their presence—like mysteriously green toilet water—only fuels their imaginations.
Inspired by their excitement (and my love for a good themed treat), I decided to whip up something sweet and festive to celebrate. Enter these Matcha Lemon Squares—a treat that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Not only do they boast an incredible green hue perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, but the flavor combination is next-level. The earthy depth of matcha paired with the bright, zesty punch of lemon creates a balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. And let’s talk about texture: these squares are the perfect mix of ooey-gooey goodness and the satisfying crunch of their delicate crinkle top.
They’re a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults—my little leprechaun hunters can’t get enough of them! And while they’re perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, their fun twist on classic lemon bars makes them a fantastic choice for any time you’re craving a little something sweet (and green).
Trust me, once you try them, you'll be reaching for seconds—or maybe thirds! ☘️
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Unique Flavor Combination: The earthy matcha pairs beautifully with zesty lemon, offering a refreshing twist on traditional lemon squares that’s both balanced and unique.
Bright, Natural Color: The matcha adds a natural green hue, giving these lemon squares a visually appealing pop of color without artificial dyes.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: These bars are both sweet and slightly tart, with matcha adding depth and the lemon bringing a fresh, tangy brightness.
Soft, Smooth Texture: The creamy lemon filling sits atop a tender crust, making these squares soft, smooth, and easy to bite into—a true dessert delight.
Ideal for Matcha Lovers: For anyone who loves matcha, these lemon squares are a delicious way to enjoy the flavor in a dessert form, with a refreshing citrusy edge.
Easy Make-Ahead Dessert: Matcha lemon squares can be made ahead and chilled, making them perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a ready-to-go treat from the fridge.
What You'll Love
What type of matcha is best for these lemon squares? Use culinary-grade matcha for its bright color and slightly earthy flavor. It’s perfect for baking, as it complements the lemon without overpowering the sweetness.
Can I adjust the amount of matcha? Yes! If you prefer a more subtle matcha flavor, reduce the amount slightly. For a stronger taste, you can add a bit more, but be mindful as matcha can become bitter if overused.
Do these need to be refrigerated? Yes, for the best texture and freshness, store your matcha lemon squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days chilled.
Can I make matcha lemon squares gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
How do I create a vibrant green color in the squares? To keep the green color bright, avoid overbaking the squares, as excessive heat can dull the matcha's natural hue. Culinary-grade matcha also provides a more vivid color.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon matcha powder
For the Filling:
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of one lemon
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped candied ginger (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and matcha powder.
Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly dough.
I like to use my hands for this because I can feel around for the larger chunks and I feel like I have more control over making sure everything is well incorporated. But if you prefer to mix it up with a food processor, that option can work as well.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it's set and lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, matcha powder, baking powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your squares why not try little crumbles of candied ginger. Simply sprinkle them over the filling before baking. Don't be surprised, they will sink into the filling slightly because of their weight. They add delightful bursts of spice to the earthy lemon flavors already present.
Bake the Bars:
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the matcha bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares.
Optional Garnish:
Dust the top of the bars with a bit of extra matcha powder for a decorative touch.
Serve:
Serve the matcha bars with a dollop of whipped cream or icecream for an added indulgence.