Lemon Brownies Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Lemon Brownies—a bright, tangy, and wonderfully chewy treat that’s every bit as irresistible as its chocolatey cousin. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and zesty, thanks to a double dose of fresh lemon. If you love citrus desserts with a moist, tender crumb and a glossy, tangy glaze, this might just become your new go-to for bake sales, brunches, or afternoon pick-me-ups!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Lemon Brownies are made with simple pantry staples, but each one plays a key role in building flavor and creating that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Quality ingredients and a little lemon love go a long way here!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars, giving them just enough structure while staying tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps them bake up with a slight chew.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors for that perfect balance.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes these bars rich, moist, and outrageously good with the subtle flavor only butter can bring.
- Large eggs: Hold everything together and provide a bit of lift so these brownies stay soft, not cakey.
- Lemon zest: The real secret weapon—use fresh zest for that bold, fragrant citrus punch throughout the bars and glaze.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang; nothing beats freshly squeezed for flavor!
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the lemony notes and add depth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Dissolves smoothly for a glossy, sweet-tart finish.
- Lemon juice (for glaze): Ensures every bite is deliciously zingy, right on top!
- Lemon zest (for glaze): Flecks of zest in the glaze look beautiful and burst with flavor when you take a bite.
How to Make Lemon Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This tiny step works wonders for easy removal and picture-perfect slices—and you can lift the whole batch right out when it’s time to glaze and cut!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps a little air, making your Lemon Brownies deliciously tender and never dense. Take time here—you’ll taste the difference!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon juice, fresh zest, and vanilla extract. With these three, your kitchen will start to smell like sunshine! Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully blended, so every bar has plenty of zing.
Step 4: Fold In Flour and Salt
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt, then gently fold until you just see the last streaks disappear. No overmixing—just enough to bring the batter together for soft, irresistible brownies.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth
Scrape the batter into the lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just aim for an even layer so the Lemon Brownies bake uniformly and look gorgeous when sliced.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slip the pan into the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma will tempt you, but let them cool completely in the pan—you’ll want a sturdy base for that dreamy glaze.
Step 7: Make the Tangy Glaze
While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. This glaze is pure lemony magic, and it will seep into the top of your brownies for an extra layer of bright, sweet tartness.
Step 8: Glaze and Chill
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies, making sure it reaches every corner. Pop the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes—this sets the glaze so you can slice cleanly and serve neat, picture-perfect squares.
How to Serve Lemon Brownies
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can make your Lemon Brownies positively showstopping. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a scatter of fresh lemon zest, or even edible flowers for a springy touch. Fresh berries alongside add a colorful burst and play well with the citrus vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a lighter option, serve with sliced strawberries or a simple fruit salad—the sweetness and tartness together are refreshing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Lemon Brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or rounds for summer picnics. Stack mini squares on a tiered tray for elegant afternoon teas, or wrap individually in parchment and twine for delightful homemade gifts. They’re so photogenic, you’ll want to snap a pic before they’re gone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Brownies (if you have any!) can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so each bite stays perfectly tender instead of drying out.
Freezing
Lemon Brownies freeze surprisingly well! Cut them into squares and layer them between parchment in a tightly sealed container. Thaw a piece or two on the counter whenever you crave a pop of lemon sunshine—within two months is best for peak flavor and texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you love a slightly gooey texture, zap an individual brownie in the microwave for five to ten seconds. The glaze softens, the brownie grows extra fragrant, and suddenly, it’s like you just baked them fresh.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor. While bottled juice works in a pinch, it often lacks the depth and zip of real lemons—plus, you’ll miss out on all that lovely zest!
What’s the difference between Lemon Brownies and lemon bars?
Lemon Brownies are denser and have a tender, chewy texture, while lemon bars usually have a shortbread crust and a more custardy, tart topping. Brownies are also topped with a lemon glaze instead of a baked lemon curd layer.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may increase slightly, so keep an eye out—the center should be set and a toothpick should come out mostly clean.
How do I know when the Lemon Brownies are done?
Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs and not raw batter. The edges will start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top will look set and glossy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The bright citrus flavors are just as delightful, and the chewy texture stays lovely with the right GF flour mix.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a citrus dessert that’s easy, impressive, and bursts with real lemon flavor, you absolutely must give these Lemon Brownies a try. Each bite brings sunshine to your table and a little joy to your taste buds—so grab your lemons and get baking!
Print
Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, with a bright and zesty flavor that is perfect for citrus lovers. The tangy lemon glaze adds a refreshing touch to these sweet treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and prepare glaze: Let brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
- Make the glaze: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Add glaze: Spread the glaze evenly over cooled brownies and chill for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Lemon Brownies, Lemon Dessert, Citrus Brownies
