Hey y'all! If you're craving a dessert that's moist, zingy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these Lemon Brownies are about to be your next obsession. With their tender crumb and vibrant lemon glaze, they're a refreshing twist on traditional brownies-ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a bright treat anytime. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Unforgettable lemony flavor that's both sweet and bright.
- Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
- Soft and fudgy texture, just like your favorite brownies.
- Perfect for serving at parties, brunches, or as an afternoon snack.
- Easy to customize with mix-ins or extra zest for more zing.
Lemon Brownies Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make Lemon Brownies: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until pale and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until no streaks remain-don't overmix!
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze. Drizzle or spread over cooled brownies, then let set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Lemon Brownies Notes
- For extra zing, add up to 1 more tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Be careful not to overbake-slightly underbaked brownies stay moist and fudgy.
- For sharper glaze flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice only.
Lemon Brownie Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: Gently fold in ½ cup fresh blueberries to the batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
- Poppy Seed Lemon Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for extra texture and visual appeal.
Required Equipment for Lemon Brownies
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk and spatula
- Zester and juicer
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Lemon Brownies + Shelf Life
Store Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days-bring to room temp for best flavor. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Lemon Brownies
- Pair with a cup of hot tea, sparkling lemonade, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve at brunch with fresh berries for a vibrant, sunny touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with candied lemon slices for an elegant finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies
- Always zest lemons before juicing for maximum efficiency and flavor.
- Make sure melted butter is slightly cooled before adding to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Use a sharp, damp knife to slice for clean, bakery-style edges.
Lemon Brownies FAQ
Can I double this Lemon Brownies recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and add 4-7 minutes to the baking time, checking for doneness.
What's the best way to get a strong lemon flavor?
Use lots of freshly grated lemon zest and juice, and don't skip the glaze-it really boosts the tangy flavor!
Can I make Lemon Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and glaze them a day in advance; just store covered until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
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3In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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4Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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5Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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6For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Let brownies cool completely, then drizzle the glaze over the top before cutting and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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