Lemon Brownies Recipe

Few desserts can capture the pure joy of citrus quite like Lemon Brownies. Imagine a fudgy, tangy square with the texture of a classic brownie but bursting with fresh, zesty notes in every bite, all topped with a glossy lemon glaze that just sings of sunshine. These treats are impossibly easy to whip up, radiantly bright, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for lemon lovers everywhere!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Brownies lies in how simple, everyday ingredients create something delightfully unexpected. Each component plays an important role—the butter brings richness, the sugar balances tartness, and fresh lemon ties it all together for the perfect springy bite.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for just the right tender crumb—don’t overmix for the best results.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the lemon and helps the brownies stay soft and chewy.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and keeps the lemon from becoming too tart.
• Unsalted butter, softened: The key to that dense-yet-moist brownie texture and gorgeous buttery flavor.
• Large eggs: Eggs act as a binder and provide structure, giving the brownies their fudgy chew.
• Lemon zest: This is where that bold, fresh citrus aroma comes from—always zest your lemons before juicing!
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides pure, puckery flavor (bottled just isn’t the same here).
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds extra warmth and rounds out the bright citrus notes.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): This melts into the lemon juice for a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and picture-perfect.
• Lemon juice (for glaze): Gives the topping a bold citrus punch; don’t be shy with it!
• Lemon zest (for glaze): Amp up the glaze with an extra sprinkle for maximum lemon flavor and color.

How to Make Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes lifting out your Lemon Brownies a total breeze and ensures those beautiful edges don’t stick!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and a little pale. This step adds air, making the brownies soft and giving them that lush, rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla extract. The kitchen will already start to smell like pure sunshine at this point!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the flour and salt until just combined—no need to overwork it. This ensures the Lemon Brownies bake up dense, moist, and never tough.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Pour the wonderfully fragrant batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. The tartness from the lemon will already have you excited for that first bite!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Underbake slightly for extra fudgy Lemon Brownies.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the brownies cool fully right in the pan. Resist the urge to rush—cooling sets their chewy texture and keeps the glaze from melting right off!

Step 8: Mix the Glaze

Whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and an extra pop of zest in a small bowl until velvety smooth. This glaze brings the final punch of lemon that makes every bite sing.

Step 9: Glaze and Chill

Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled Lemon Brownies. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set the glaze—this makes slicing neater and gives you perfect, glossy bars.

How to Serve Lemon Brownies

Garnishes

A few extra curls of lemon zest on top, a sprig of fresh mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar all make these bars look even more inviting. For a special touch, add a thin lemon slice to each square before serving.

Side Dishes

Lemon Brownies are bright and zippy, so they’re perfect with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or alongside a bowl of fresh berries. Their citrusy zing balances out richer desserts (or coffee!) on a dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Lemon Brownies into tiny two-bite squares for a crowd-pleasing party platter, or try serving them in cupcake liners for easy, grab-and-go treats. Layer with fresh berries and whipped cream in a parfait glass for an elegant, deconstructed dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them chilled (they’re fantastic cold!), store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The glaze keeps them moist and packed with lemony punch.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Once the glaze is set, wrap Lemon Brownies individually or layer them with parchment in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked taste, pop a brownie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This slightly softens both crumb and glaze, making your Lemon Brownies taste as fresh as the day they were made.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for maximum lemon flavor! Bottled juice just doesn’t capture the brightness or zestiness that makes Lemon Brownies shine, so squeeze the real thing if you can.

How do I make the Lemon Brownies extra fudgy?

For ultra-fudgy squares, try baking a minute less and be careful not to overmix the batter. Keeping a close eye on them in the oven makes all the difference.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, checking doneness at around 25 minutes. The Lemon Brownies will be just as irresistible in a bigger batch.

Why did my glaze turn runny?

A runny glaze usually means too much lemon juice or not enough powdered sugar. If this happens, just whisk in a little extra sugar until it thickens up and becomes spreadable.

Can I add poppy seeds or white chocolate chips?

Definitely! Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds or white chocolate chips to add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Lemon Brownies are a great canvas for creative mix-ins.

Final Thoughts

If you love lemon, these Lemon Brownies are an absolute must-try. With their vibrant flavor, simple prep, and dazzling appearance, they’re destined to become your new favorite treat. Happy baking—can’t wait to hear what you think!

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