Name: Lemon Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; Zest of 2 lemons; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 66 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to add a bright, zesty twist to the classic treat, then this Lemon Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine fudgy, chewy brownies packed with fresh lemon flavor, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a tangy glaze that takes every bite to a delightful new level. This recipe is not only a refreshing departure from traditional chocolate brownies but also an irresistible way to celebrate citrus in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Trust me, once you try these lemon brownies, they’ll become a staple at your gatherings and afternoon teas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits in the middle with a smooth, light yellow batter inside, partly mixed and creamy in texture. A metal whisk with a wooden handle is resting inside the bowl, slightly covered with the batter. Around the bowl, on a soft beige cloth over a dark wooden surface, there is a small wooden bowl full of white powdered sugar, a small chunk of pale yellow butter, and a wooden spoon holding light yellow powder. In the background, several whole bright yellow lemons are placed with one lemon wedge, next to a clear glass jar filled with white flour and a white flour bag standing upright. The whole setting is warm and cozy with a slightly rustic feel, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are humble but mighty, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and that vibrant lemon punch in your brownies. From rich butter to fresh lemon zest, they come together to make a treat that’s both simple and sensational.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks, melted): Gives the brownies a tender, moist crumb and rich flavor without overpowering the citrus notes.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds sweetness and helps achieve the chewy texture we love in brownies.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, binding everything together perfectly.
Lemon zest (zest of 2 lemons): This is where the fresh, vibrant lemon essence truly shines through.
Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Amplifies the tartness and brightness, making the lemon flavor pop in every bite.
All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The foundation for structure, giving the brownies their classic dense but soft feel.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially the lemon.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used in the luscious, tangy glaze that crowns the brownies.
Additional fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Mixed into the glaze to keep that bright citrusy zing alive on top.
Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): Added to the glaze for a beautiful finish and extra flavor boost.

How to Make Lemon Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Let’s get started by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking dish is just as important—lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper makes sure your brownies come out clean and intact, ready for that glorious glaze.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is the base of that irresistible chewy texture. Then, stir in the eggs, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to infuse your brownies with natural brightness. Finally, sprinkle in the flour and salt, folding gently until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or you might lose that tender crumb we all crave.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging—it’s perfectly fudgy, not cakey.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the brownies cool, stir together powdered sugar, extra lemon juice, and lemon zest until silky smooth. This glaze is the final touch that adds tangy sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish. Don’t rush this step—the glaze should be just the right consistency to drizzle or spread.

Step 5: Cool, Glaze, and Serve

Once completely cooled, lovingly drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over the brownies. The contrast of the tangy glaze with the rich lemon brownie creates an absolutely decadent treat that’s ready to slice into 12 perfect squares.

How to Serve Lemon Brownies Recipe

A white rectangular cake cut into nine square pieces sits on white parchment paper on a wooden board. The cake has a light yellow color with a soft, moist texture. A woman's hand is holding a spoon over the cake, dripping smooth and creamy white icing in thin streams onto the top. In the background, there is a white textured bowl filled with the same icing, two whole yellow lemons, and more cake pieces on another white rectangular board. The scene has a clean look with a white marbled surface beneath everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is often best here, but if you want to jazz things up, a few fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios, or a dusting of powdered sugar can add gorgeous visual appeal and complement the tartness.

Side Dishes

These lemon brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess perfectly balances the tangy citrus while keeping every bite indulgent. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving alongside a cup of hot green tea or chamomile.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack these lemon brownies on a pretty tiered tray or cut into smaller bite-sized squares and serve with cocktail picks. You could even drizzle a little extra glaze right before serving for that eye-catching shine and zesty aroma to fill the room.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’re going to want to keep these lemon brownies fresh! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the texture soft without drying out, and the glaze stays delightfully tangy.

Freezing

If you need to prep ahead, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their luscious texture or vibrant lemon flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen lemon brownies, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that perfect softness and gooeyness—it’s like they’ve just been baked fresh.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for this Lemon Brownies Recipe because it offers brighter, more natural flavor and aroma. However, if you must, use bottled juice as a last resort, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid bitterness.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper makes removing the brownies so much easier and cleaner, especially with the glaze on top.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging but no raw batter, it’s ready. This ensures fudgy, not dry, lemon brownies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup to keep the texture close to the original.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is what truly sets this Lemon Brownies Recipe apart, adding that perfect balance between sweet and tart. It’s highly recommended but if you prefer a simpler version, you can skip it and dust with powdered sugar instead.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Brownies Recipe is a guaranteed way to brighten your dessert game with its tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, and fudgy goodness. Whether for a casual snack or a special celebration, these brownies will bring smiles and maybe even a few requests for seconds. So go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!