If you are searching for a delightful twist on traditional brownies that will brighten up your dessert table, you have to try the Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) Recipe. This deliciously tangy treat brings together the moist, cakey texture of lemon-infused brownies with a glossy, sweet-tart glaze that perfectly balances the flavors. Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zesty brightness, these brownies are an absolute showstopper for any gathering or just a sunny afternoon snack that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy in these lemon brownies is easy with a simple list of ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating the moist crumb, vibrant flavor, and that irresistible glaze on top.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender, cakey base that’s the backbone of these lemon brownies.
- Lemon instant pudding mix: Adds extra lemon punch and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor with natural citrus zing and adds freshness.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the batter with aromatic oils for an intense lemon aroma.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, it brings sweetness and smooth texture.
- Extra lemon juice (for glaze): Creates the perfect tangy glaze consistency.
- Lemon zest (for garnish): Optional, but adds a lovely decorative and flavorful touch.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This little step guarantees your lemon brownies will lift easily out of the pan for perfect slicing. Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab a medium-sized bowl and use an electric hand mixer to combine your dry yellow cake mix, the lemon instant pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest. Mixing well ensures the lemon flavors distribute evenly and your batter becomes smooth and luscious, setting the stage for those perfectly tangy and tender brownies.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Watching the brownies bake fills the kitchen with an irresistible citrus aroma that just teases your taste buds.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare the Lemony Glaze
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Using the parchment paper edges, gently lift the brownies out and set them on a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk your powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice to get the perfect drizzle consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Slice your cooled lemon brownies into neat squares and generously drizzle the lemony glaze over the top. Sprinkle with extra lemon zest if you want to amp up the vibrant citrus look and flavor. The glaze adds that perfect sweet-tart finish to these dreamy treats.
How to Serve Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it classic with a simple sprinkling of lemon zest for a fresh pop of color and flavor. To add a little flair, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers that complement the citrus vibe beautifully.
Side Dishes
These lemon brownies pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance their tang. For an afternoon treat, a cup of hot tea or a lightly brewed coffee rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your lemon brownies on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges on the side or create a dessert platter with berries and mint leaves for a vibrant, fresh look. You can even cut these brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters to wow guests at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moist texture and fresh flavor. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them can help, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these lemon brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat individual brownie squares in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. The glaze softens slightly, making every bite melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow?
Yellow cake mix works best for that classic lemon brownie color and texture, but you can experiment with white cake mix for a lighter base. Avoid chocolate or other flavors as they may overpower the lemon.
Is the lemon instant pudding necessary?
The lemon pudding mix is key for adding extra lemon flavor and moisture. Skipping it might result in a less tangy and slightly drier brownie, so it’s highly recommended to keep it in the recipe.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the powdered sugar and lemon juice ratio to control glaze thickness. Add more powdered sugar to thicken or a few extra drops of lemon juice to make it thinner and easier to drizzle.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the pudding mix is gluten-free as well. Results may vary slightly in texture but should still taste fantastic.
What’s the best way to cut lemon brownies neatly?
Chill the brownies completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices to get clean edges. Cutting while warm can cause the glaze to smear and the brownies to crumble.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about treating yourself and your loved ones to the Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) Recipe. It’s simple to make but packed with layers of bright, luscious lemon flavor and that irresistible glaze that ties it all together. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these lemon brownies will quickly become your new favorite dessert to bake, share, and savor.
PrintBest Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) Recipe
These best lemon brownies combine the moist, tender texture of traditional brownies with a bright, zesty lemon flavor enhanced by a tangy lemon glaze. Made with yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix, these easy-to-make lemon brownies are perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownies
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
- 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more if needed for desired consistency)
- lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the brownies lift out easily after baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the lemon brownies.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the yellow cake mix, lemon instant pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool Brownies: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift them out by holding the edges of the parchment paper and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Add extra lemon juice by the drop if needed to achieve desired drizzling consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Cut the cooled brownies into squares. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top and optionally sprinkle with additional lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake; brownies should remain moist inside with only crumbs on the toothpick.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, natural lemon flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add powdered sugar gradually; for thinner glaze, add lemon juice gradually.
- You can store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
