Lemon Brownies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience a delightful twist on traditional brownies with these refreshing Lemon Brownies. Soft and chewy, these sweet treats are infused with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a luscious lemon glaze, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy a sunshine-filled afternoon snack!

Phoebe Turner

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-11-12T11:30:47.289Z

These Lemon Brownies are a burst of sunshine in every bite!

A Unique Twist on Classic Brownies

Brownies are a beloved dessert for many, known for their fudgy texture and chocolatey goodness. However, if you're looking to shake things up a bit, these Lemon Brownies offer a citrusy alternative that refreshes the palate. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet brownie creates a unique flavor profile that's sure to delight your taste buds. This recipe is an excellent choice for those who love experimenting with innovative dessert ideas.

Not only do Lemon Brownies stand out for their bright, refreshing taste, but they also provide a delightful contrast to traditional chocolate brownies. The softness and chewiness of the brownies pair beautifully with the tangy lemon glaze, making each bite a burst of flavor. This dessert is a great conversation starter at any gathering, drawing everyone in with its inviting aroma and sunny appearance.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a picnic, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, Lemon Brownies are the ideal treat to have on hand. Their bright and cheerful color adds a touch of sunshine to any event, making them perfect for spring and summer gatherings. But don’t let the season dictate their deliciousness; they are enjoyed year-round and can easily brighten up any dull day.

These brownies can also be a hit at potlucks and bake sales. They are easy to transport, and their unique flavor is likely to impress your friends or coworkers. Furthermore, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your event without stress. Simply whip up a batch, let them cool, glaze, and store them until it’s time to share the love.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Lemon Brownies turn out perfectly every time, be sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor significantly compared to their bottled counterparts. Additionally, when measuring flour, fluff it up in the container before gently scooping it into your measuring cup to avoid packing it down. Accurate measurements lead to the best texture and flavor in your brownies.

Consider letting your brownies cool completely before adding the glaze. This way, the glaze remains intact and provides a beautiful glossy finish. If you want even more lemony goodness, feel free to add a pinch of salt to the glaze, which enhances the sweetness and balances the tartness. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the best Lemon Brownies that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Mix well and prepare to bake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies are cool, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.

Cut and Serve

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares.

Enjoy your zesty Lemon Brownies!

Storing Your Lemon Brownies

Proper storage is essential to keep your Lemon Brownies fresh and delicious. After cutting the brownies into squares, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

If you're planning to keep them even longer, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Variations to Try

While the classic Lemon Brownies are delicious on their own, feel free to customize them to suit your taste. For example, you can incorporate white chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet complement to the tartness of the lemon. Alternatively, try adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and even more flavor, reminiscent of classic lemon desserts.

For a different twist, consider infusing other flavors into the glaze. A hint of lavender or a splash of berry puree can transform your lemon glaze into a unique topping, adding visual appeal and an added layer of taste. Experimenting with these variations will allow you to create a signature version of Lemon Brownies that friends and family will rave about.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use lemons from a bottle instead of fresh?

Fresh lemons provide the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Lemon Brownies

Experience a delightful twist on traditional brownies with these refreshing Lemon Brownies. Soft and chewy, these sweet treats are infused with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a luscious lemon glaze, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy a sunshine-filled afternoon snack!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Turner

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1 cup granulated sugar
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  3. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 04

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 05

Once the brownies are cool, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.

Step 06

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 2g