Lemon brownies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to the classic brownie. These sweet and tart bites are an easy way to enjoy a twist on traditional desserts. The chewy texture combined with the zesty lemon glaze makes them irresistible. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet snack at home, lemon brownies hit all the right notes. They are easy to make, and you’ll love how bright and refreshing they are. The balance of flavors, with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of sugar, creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will enjoy.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to whip up a batch. Just gather your staples and get ready to impress friends and family with these easy lemon brownies. With minimal prep time and baking, you’ll have these delightful treats ready to serve in no time. Whether paired with tea or coffee or enjoyed on their own, lemon brownies are a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire.
Why make this recipe
Lemon brownies are perfect for bringing a unique twist to your dessert table. Their bright flavor and chewy texture make them stand out among traditional sweets. Plus, this recipe is quick and straightforward, allowing you to make them almost anytime. Sharing these lemon brownies will surely delight your family and friends, making them a favorite for gatherings or quiet afternoons at home.
How to make Easy Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (for glaze)
Directions
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well blended. The batter should be smooth and thick.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan.
Glaze: For the lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Pour over the cooled brownies and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
How to serve Easy Lemon Brownies
Lemon brownies can be served warm or at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. For a special touch, garnish with additional lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They pair delightfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
How to store Easy Lemon Brownies
Store leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips to make Easy Lemon Brownies
To enhance the flavor of your lemon brownies, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Adding more lemon zest can also intensify the lemon flavor. For a different texture, try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the batter. Always make sure your butter is softened to help create a smooth batter. Remember to let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze for the best results.
Variation
For a fun twist, consider adding poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon-poppy seed brownie. Another variation could be to swirl in cream cheese for a rich and smooth taste. You can even explore different toppings such as a berry compote or coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make lemon brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
Can I add frosting?
While the glaze adds a lovely touch, you can definitely frost them with cream cheese frosting for a richer taste!
Easy Lemon Brownies
Delightful lemon brownies that bring a burst of citrus flavor, perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2–3 lemons)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour over cooled brownies and let it set.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for a week or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Linda shares simple, family-friendly desserts with a playful twist — mostly cakes and cookies you can bake on busy days.
👉 Meet Linda and see her favorite recipes
