Lemon Brownies Recipe

If you’re ready for a zingy twist on a classic treat, Lemon Brownies are about to become your new obsession! Imagine rich, buttery bars with a soft, chewy bite, bursting with sunny citrus flavor and topped off with a glossy lemon glaze. These Lemon Brownies are everything you crave in a dessert: bright, sweet, and impossible to resist. They’re perfect for picnics, parties, or simply any time you want to bring a little brightness to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Brownies is how a few accessible ingredients combine to create layers of luscious flavor and that signature golden crumb. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s a creamy base, irresistible sweetness, or a pop of citrusy sunshine.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the brownies, giving them just the right amount of chewiness without being cakey.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweet balance to the tart lemon and helps create that crave-worthy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses richness and tenderness—make sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
• Large eggs: These bind everything together and add a beautiful fudgy structure to your Lemon Brownies.
• Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes and gives the brownies their sunny color and aroma.
• Lemon juice: The secret to that bold, tangy flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity that keeps the lemon flavor from overwhelming the palate.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Melts into a luscious topping, sweetly mellowing the sharpness of the lemon.
• Lemon juice (for glaze): Doubles down on that lemon punch, infusing the glaze with both flavor and sheen.
• Lemon zest (for glaze): Sprinkles fresh flavor and visual appeal right on top!

How to Make Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Lemon Brownies bake up evenly right from the get-go. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for an easy lift-out later. This makes cleanup a breeze and gives you those perfect, clean-edged bars!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a big mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Take your time here; you want the mixture to be light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration helps your brownies rise just right, and sets the tone for that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Citrus Zest

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to fully incorporate. Now comes the magic: stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. You’ll instantly notice the zest awakening the batter with vibrant citrus fragrance!

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in your all-purpose flour and salt, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is how you keep your Lemon Brownies tender. The batter will be thick and fragrant, flecked with those gorgeous bits of zest.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean (a few crumbs are perfect!). The kitchen will fill with the scent of sweet, buttery citrus.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the Lemon Brownies cool completely in the pan for optimal slicing and texture. This is the hardest part, but it really does make a difference—the brownies continue to set as they cool, and you don’t want to rush the process.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and extra zest until silky smooth. This simple glaze brings a layer of bright sweetness and glossy finish that makes these bars irresistible.

Step 8: Glaze and Chill

Spread the glaze evenly over cooled brownies, letting it drip into every crack. Pop the pan in the fridge (about 15 minutes) so the glaze can set up just right before slicing into beautiful Lemon Brownies.

How to Serve Lemon Brownies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra lemon zest over the top is a lovely touch, adding both color and another hit of fresh flavor. Try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving or even scatter a few edible flowers to make your Lemon Brownies stunning enough for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Brownies with fresh berries—raspberries and blueberries are especially scrumptious. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with cocktail picks for cute, grab-and-go treats. Or nestle them into cupcake liners for a polished display at brunches or showers—these Lemon Brownies are always a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so they stay perfectly soft and tangy, even on day three.

Freezing

Lemon Brownies freeze beautifully! Slice them, lay them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (with parchment between layers), and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a burst of citrusy sunshine.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, just pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds (even straight from the fridge). The glaze will turn delightfully soft, intensifying the lemony aroma and flavor.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time; they may need a few extra minutes. Everyone will be asking for seconds of these Lemon Brownies!

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

A microplane is perfect for grating just the outer yellow zest without getting the bitter white pith. Always zest before you juice—the zest adds the most vivid lemon flavor to both the brownie base and the glaze.

Can I substitute bottled lemon juice?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for Lemon Brownies; it gives the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that fresh, zesty punch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a quality one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the Lemon Brownies will still be delicious and full of citrus flair.

Do I need to refrigerate Lemon Brownies?

They’re fine at room temperature for a few days, thanks to the glaze. If you want to keep them extra moist or enjoy them chilled, feel free to store them in the fridge—they taste fantastic cold!

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about the way Lemon Brownies deliver bright, tangy flavors and rich, buttery comfort all in one bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert lover, give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to make your day just a little sunnier. Happy baking, and don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe!

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