Name: LEMON BROWNIES Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert bar: LEMON BROWNIES. Imagine all the rich, buttery decadence of a brownie but with a lively burst of lemon flavor—these bars deliver a zesty twist that’s irresistibly bright and refreshing. Each square boasts a soft crumb, bold citrus aroma, and a sweet-tart glaze that shouts “spring” in every bite. If you crave treats that balance tangy and sweet while offering a satisfying, tender texture, look no further.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these LEMON BROWNIES is in their simplicity. Every ingredient has a role: from tenderness and flavor to that eye-catching sunny glaze, nothing is wasted. Gather these pantry basics and see how the ordinary becomes extraordinary, one luscious bar at a time.

All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives each brownie its soft, cake-like structure without being overly dense.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and helps create a light, fluffy crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch; it intensifies the lemon flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and a tender mouthfeel—don’t skip the softening step for easy mixing!
Large eggs: They bind everything together and keep the brownies moist and luscious.
Lemon zest: This is where the boldest citrus flavor comes from, so zest your lemons generously.
Lemon juice: Provides the signature tang and a natural brightness you just can’t fake.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus flavor with a gentle warmth that balances every bite.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): For a perfectly smooth, sweet finish that clings beautifully atop the cooled brownies.
Lemon juice (for glaze): Adds that necessary zip for the glaze—fresh is best!
Lemon zest (for glaze): Garnishes the top with extra color and another boost of flavor.

How to Make LEMON BROWNIES

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, and let the excess hang over the edges for easy lifting. This simple step means you’ll have picture-perfect LEMON BROWNIES without any sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—aim for a pale yellow color and an airy texture. This is your secret weapon for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb!

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Citrus

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then stir in the lemon juice, plenty of zest, and a splash of vanilla extract. This step infuses the batter with layers of lemon flavor and delightful aroma.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want these LEMON BROWNIES to stay tender and soft, not tough. The batter will be thick and fragrant.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly into the corners. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center; you want moist crumbs, not raw batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan so they’re ready for their glaze makeover.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

As the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of zest until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. This is where that lip-smacking sweet-and-tart magic really happens!

Step 7: Glaze and Chill

Once completely cool, spread the glaze over the brownies with an offset spatula or spoon. Sprinkle a little extra zest on top for a sunny finish, then chill the pan for about 15 minutes so the glaze can set—patience pays off here.

How to Serve LEMON BROWNIES

Garnishes

Dress up your LEMON BROWNIES with a flourish of fresh lemon zest or even a few edible flowers for a vibrant, festive touch. A dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds an inviting bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cheerful bars with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing contrast, a simple dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of lemon curd beside each brownie makes every plate a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a cake stand for afternoon tea, or cut them into bite-sized squares to serve in mini cupcake liners at a brunch. You can even drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top or layer the brownies into a trifle with whipped cream and raspberries for an unexpected showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover LEMON BROWNIES in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze will keep the tops moist, and the bars taste just as wonderful on day two or three—if you can resist them for that long!

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream. Simply cut them once the glaze is set, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to two months; thaw on the counter or in the fridge for a quick, bright treat any time.

Reheating

While LEMON BROWNIES are best served at room temperature, you can microwave them for 10–15 seconds if you like them slightly warm. Just be gentle, as you don’t want the glaze to turn runny.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

For best results, always use fresh lemon juice and zest! Bottled juice doesn’t deliver that vivid, natural zing that fresh lemons bring, which is key for truly spectacular LEMON BROWNIES.

How do I know when my LEMON BROWNIES are done baking?

Start checking around the 22-minute mark; a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool and you want to preserve that moist, tender crumb.

Can these LEMON BROWNIES be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. The results are still perfectly soft and citrusy, with just a slight variation in texture.

What if I want an even tangier flavor?

Feel free to add a few drops of lemon extract to both the batter and glaze for an extra punch of lemony goodness. This little trick amplifies the citrusy aroma and flavor without being overwhelming.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, adding a minute or two as needed—the key is to check for doneness with that trusty toothpick test.

Final Thoughts

If you love all things lemon, these LEMON BROWNIES are pure sunshine on a plate. Nothing beats their soft, bright crumb and luscious glaze, so gather your lemons and give this easy recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how you make them your own!