Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe
If you dream of a dessert that’s bright, tangy, and a surefire crowd-pleaser, the Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe is here to steal your heart (and your taste buds)! Think buttery, tender bars with a lovely lemon zing, topped with a glossy, sweet-tart glaze—it’s a sunny twist on a classic brownie that’s impossible to resist. Whether you need a treat for a spring picnic, a baby shower, or just a well-deserved weekday pick-me-up, these lemon brownies set the bar sky high. Get ready to add a new staple to your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe is in its down-to-earth, simple ingredients. Each one pulls double duty, building layers of flavor and giving these brownies their irresistible chewy-yet-soft texture and mouthwatering lemony color.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your brownies, giving them structure and chew.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness with just the right balance to let the lemon shine.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the brightness in every lemony bite.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Large eggs (room temperature): They create lift and help produce a dense, rich texture.
- Lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Grate from 2-3 lemons for an intense citrus punch—don’t skip it!
- Fresh lemon juice (⅓ cup for brownies, 2-3 tablespoons for glaze): Brings the signature tartness and keeps the crumb moist.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the lemon flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Whips into a silky, shiny glaze that sets perfectly on top.
- Extra lemon zest (1 tablespoon, for glaze): For flecks of color and extra zing in every sweet bite.
How to Make Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Let’s get started right: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. A light greasing on top of the parchment ensures nothing sticks—trust me, this makes lifting the brownies out and cutting them neat and easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This simple step keeps your crumb light, even, and just salty enough to liven up the lemon.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This isn’t the time to be shy—really whip some air in, since it’s key to getting that soft, brownie-like texture rather than cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Room temperature eggs blend in more smoothly, giving your lemon brownies a rich, even consistency.
Step 5: Stir in the Lemon and Vanilla
Sprinkle in the lemon zest and pour in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. The zest adds serious depth and fragrance, while the juice makes each bite pop. Mix until everything is blended and your kitchen basically smells like sunshine.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Now, gently fold your whisked flour and salt mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix; just stir until you see no more streaks of flour so your brownies stay tender.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your lined pan. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just golden but the center still feels soft. Cool completely in the pan—patience is key!
Step 8: Glaze and Finish
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice (2-3 tablespoons), and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Pour over the cooled brownies and spread evenly to the edges. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before lifting from the pan and slicing into bright, beautiful squares.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra lemon zest right before serving adds a colorful punch and lets everyone know there’s fresh citrus inside. For extra flair, dot each piece with a thin slice of lemon or a mint leaf for a pop of color that wows every time.
Side Dishes
These lemon brownies shine alongside a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of whipped cream. Their tartness pairs especially well with sweet fruits like blueberries or strawberries, making for a balanced dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered stand for parties, or stack and wrap them in twine as gourmet edible gifts. For an elegant touch, dust with a little extra powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of white chocolate over the set glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, they’ll keep best in the fridge, where the glaze stays perfectly set without getting tacky.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these lemon brownies! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight—the glaze still looks and tastes incredible.
Reheating
For a slightly warm, freshly-baked feel, pop a brownie square in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If you’ve frozen your brownies, let them come to room temperature before reheating for the dreamiest texture.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For this Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe, fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended. The flavor is brighter, more aromatic, and really makes the brownies sing. Bottled juice can taste flat and won’t give you that truly fresh citrus lift.
Why are my lemon brownies dense or gummy?
To avoid dense brownies, make sure not to overmix once you add the flour. Too much mixing develops gluten and can toughen the crumb. Also, be careful not to underbake—pull them when just set in the middle.
Do I need to refrigerate these brownies?
You don’t have to refrigerate lemon brownies, but doing so can help the glaze set perfectly and keep them fresh if your kitchen is warm. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13 pans, or use a half-sheet pan and keep a close eye on the baking time. These brownies are perfect for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
How do I get clean, neat slices?
For those beautifully sharp edges, chill the glazed lemon brownies for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for that bakery-style look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll get bright, zesty, bakery-perfect bars that are sure to earn you rave reviews. Give this recipe a try—even just once—and it might become your go-to dessert all year long!
Print
Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a burst of citrusy flavor in every bite. Tangy lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, buttery base, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (2–3 lemons)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Make Batter: Whisk together flour and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Fold in the flour mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in lemon zest. Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and let it set for 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to suit your taste preferences.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a drop of lemon extract to the batter.
- These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Lemon Brownies, Dessert, Easy Recipe, Citrus Dessert
