Name: Lemon Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with soft, chewy goodness, then this Lemon Brownies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These lemon brownies offer a refreshing twist on the classic chocolate version by introducing the invigorating zing of fresh lemon juice and zest, finished with a sweet lemon glaze that elevates every bite. They are a delightful, light dessert that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or any time you want a citrusy pick-me-up with a deliciously tender texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several baking ingredients neatly placed. There is a white bowl filled with flour in the center, a small white bowl holding two egg yolks on the left, and another small white bowl with granulated sugar below it. A whole lemon is placed near the center, close to the flour bowl. On the right side, there is a white plate with a stick of butter and two small white containers, one with a clear liquid and the other with a white powder. The items are cleanly arranged with natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Brownies Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a special role in bringing out that ideal balance of richness, tang, and sweetness that makes these brownies so irresistible.

Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon without overpowering it.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist and chewy.
Large eggs: Bind all ingredients together while contributing to the soft texture.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh, bright acidity that gives the brownies their signature lemony punch.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with fragrant oils from the lemon peel.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure without making the brownies too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet finish that balances the tart glaze perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your lemon brownies come out cleanly without sticking. This prep step sets the stage for baking success and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend helps create the tender crumb typical of chewy brownies, giving you that perfect texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Lemon

Add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the sugar and butter mixture. Whisk everything until fully combined—the lemon juice and zest are the stars here, infusing that bright, citrus flavor that sets these brownies apart.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour and salt just until the batter comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the batter could make the brownies tough instead of soft and chewy. The goal is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is just cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can cause the chewy texture to be lost.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Lemon Glaze

While the brownies cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Pour this bright, tangy glaze over the warm brownies and spread it out evenly. This finishing touch adds a glossy shine and an extra burst of lemon flavor.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This lets the glaze set up beautifully and helps the brownies hold their shape when cut, giving you clean, appetizing pieces every time.

How to Serve Lemon Brownies Recipe

This image shows several square lemon cake pieces stacked close together on a white marbled surface, each with two layers: a light golden-yellow moist cake base and a thick smooth white icing on top. The icing drips slightly down the sides and is decorated with small thin yellow lemon slices and tiny sprinkles of lemon zest scattered over each piece. One piece in the center stands up slightly above the others, showing the soft crumb of the cake and the glossy texture of the icing. The background is blurred with hints of lemon halves and white plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a thoughtful garnish can elevate your lemon brownies to eye-catching dessert status. Consider dusting the brownies with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a subtle, elegant touch. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also pair wonderfully, complementing the bright lemon flavor while adding natural sweetness and color.

Side Dishes

These lemon brownies are a wonderful standalone treat, but if you want to present a more complete dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy richness balances the tang of the lemon, creating a harmonious pairing that’s sure to delight your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on decorative toothpicks to create lemon brownie bites, perfect for parties or casual snacking. You can also arrange them on a dessert tray with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves to impress at your next get-together with a stylish, citrus-inspired display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover lemon brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to three days, maintaining their moist, chewy texture and refreshing lemon flavor. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests.

Freezing

To freeze lemon brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps preserve their freshness and prevents freezer burn. When properly stored, frozen lemon brownies can last up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious recipe long after you’ve made it.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen lemon brownies, thaw them at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave or oven if you prefer a soft, freshly baked feel. Just a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes at low oven heat will revive the chewy texture and bring back that delightful, zesty aroma.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice offers a brighter, more natural flavor and zest, which is essential to achieving the vibrant taste this Lemon Brownies Recipe is known for.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter is recommended because it adds richness and contributes to the chewy texture, but you can substitute an equal amount of a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if necessary. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make sure my lemon brownies stay chewy?

The key is not to overbake and to mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overbaking will dry them out, and overmixing can make them tough instead of tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep that classic brownie texture.

Can I add other flavors to these lemon brownies?

Definitely! Some popular additions include poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy seed twist or a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Brownies Recipe is a true celebration of citrus flavor paired with that beloved chewy brownie texture. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dessert or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. I hope you feel inspired to try this zesty, sweet treat soon and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.