Lemon Brownies are a delightful citrus twist on a classic dessert, combining the soft, cake-like texture of a brownie with the refreshing brightness of lemon. Infused with fresh zest and juice, and finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze, these bars offer a perfect balance of richness and tang—ideal for spring and summer occasions or any time you’re craving a lighter, fruit-forward treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lemon brownies are irresistibly moist, flavorful, and simple to prepare. The batter comes together quickly, and the glaze adds a glossy, citrusy finish that elevates each bite. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, these are bright and zesty, making them a perfect option for brunches, picnics, or afternoon tea. Their soft texture and vibrant flavor are sure to win over lemon lovers and dessert fans alike.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Chill for 15 minutes before slicing into bars for clean edges.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 9 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Variations
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace half the lemon juice and zest with lime for a citrus blend.
- Berry Infusion: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Poppy Seed Addition: Stir in a teaspoon of poppy seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix a bit of softened cream cheese into the glaze for a richer topping.
storage/reheating
Store lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These bars can also be frozen (unglazed) for up to one month; thaw and glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Why are these called “brownies” if they’re not chocolate?
“Lemon brownies” refer to the dense, fudgy texture that mirrors traditional brownies, but with a citrus twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking time by a few extra minutes and test with a toothpick.
Do I need to chill the brownies before glazing?
No, but they must be completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting or soaking in unevenly.
How do I get the glaze to set properly?
Chill the glazed brownies for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the glaze firm up for a clean finish.
What type of lemon is best?
Standard lemons (Eureka or Lisbon) are perfect. Meyer lemons offer a slightly sweeter, more floral flavor.
Can I add lemon extract for extra flavor?
Yes, add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract for a more intense citrus note without altering the texture.
Should I sift the powdered sugar for the glaze?
Sifting helps achieve a smoother glaze but is not strictly necessary if whisked thoroughly.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but baking times will vary. A smaller pan will yield thicker bars and may need extra baking time.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
They are ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
Lemon Brownies are a delightful departure from their chocolate cousins, offering a fresh and tangy dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. With their soft crumb and citrus glaze, they’re perfect for brightening up any dessert table. Simple to make and always crowd-pleasing, these lemon bars are a must-try for any citrus lover.
PrintLemon Brownies
Bright, tangy lemon-infused brownies with a soft, cake-like crumb and sweet citrus glaze—perfectly refreshing and rich in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before adding glaze.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Spread glaze evenly over cooled brownies and chill for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies moist and tender.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Add a few drops of lemon extract for extra zing, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg