Lemon Brownies Recipe
If you’re looking for dessert bars that are delightfully tangy, refreshingly sweet, and boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture, Lemon Brownies absolutely belong on your must-bake list. These bars strike the perfect balance between bright citrus flavor and soft, fudgy goodness. Imagine that first bite: a zesty burst of lemon paired with a tender crumb, all topped off with a glossy lemon glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend treat enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry ingredients come together to create pure magic here! Each one plays a vital part: some for flavor, others for richness, and a few for structure and that sunshiny color that makes Lemon Brownies so inviting.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives our brownies that sturdy-yet-soft bite.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and keeps the texture moist and tender throughout.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor and keeps the bars from being one-dimensional.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and that classic melt-in-the-mouth feel.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for a plush, satisfying structure.
- Lemon zest: The powerhouse of citrus aroma and a burst of cheerful color.
- Lemon juice: Delivers a fresh, tart tang that sets Lemon Brownies apart from ordinary treats.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus notes with mellow warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes for a smooth, sweet-tart finish that glistens on top.
How to Make Lemon Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first, set the stage for your Lemon Brownies by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting once your bars are baked. This little step saves you from sticky situations and guarantees perfect edges every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into something light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This isn’t just about blending—it’s about adding air, ensuring your brownies have a soft, plush texture that supports the bright lemon flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Citrus
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition so everything stays silky and cohesive. Next, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Feel free to breathe in that incredible citrus waft—it signals the magic unfolding in your Lemon Brownies!
Step 4: Add Flour and Salt
Now it’s time to gently stir in the flour and salt. Keep things delicate, folding just until you see the last streaks disappear. This ensures that the brownies stay tender—not tough—once baked.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Scoop your batter into the prepared pan, and use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Don’t worry if it seems thick; that’s what gives Lemon Brownies their signature fudgy bite. A gentle tap of the pan on the counter helps eliminate air bubbles for a perfect, even bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Patience pays off! Leave the Lemon Brownies in the pan and allow them to cool completely. This ensures your glaze will set up beautifully and keeps the brownies moist and luscious.
Step 8: Mix and Pour the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a little more lemon zest. Drizzle or spread this glossy glaze over the cooled brownies, letting it spill decadently over the sides. It’s the crowning touch that ties everything together.
How to Serve Lemon Brownies
Garnishes
To make your Lemon Brownies even more eye-catching, try a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Thin curls of candied lemon or a few edible flowers can turn the bars into a centerpiece-worthy dessert for special gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these zesty treats with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the tartness. For a refreshingly light dessert plate, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad featuring in-season citrus.
Creative Ways to Present
Lemon Brownies look lovely cut into neat squares or triangles and stacked on a cake stand. For parties, try cutting them into bite-sized bars and arranging them in cupcake liners. Or, use cookie cutters to make whimsical shapes and drizzle, rather than spread, the glaze for a playful effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed, Lemon Brownies will keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep the glaze pristine and prevent sticking.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Place ungarnished Lemon Brownies in a single layer in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to two months. To freeze with the glaze, flash freeze cut squares first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container with parchment between each slice.
Reheating
If you crave that fresh-baked warmth, simply let frozen bars thaw at room temperature and, if desired, pop them in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. The glaze will become a little gooey, which many people find utterly irresistible!
FAQs
Why are Lemon Brownies called brownies?
Despite the lack of chocolate, Lemon Brownies share the dense, moist, and fudgy qualities that make their cocoa-based cousins so beloved. It’s all about that chewy texture and decadent, bar-style slice—just with a sunny citrus twist!
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to that vibrant flavor you expect from Lemon Brownies, but in a pinch, bottled juice can work. Just keep in mind fresh zest really takes the citrus notes over the top!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will look set, but the center should remain soft, ensuring that perfect chewy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Just keep a close eye, as ovens vary and you don’t want to overbake.
Are these Lemon Brownies gluten free?
As written, this recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour. However, a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works well if you want everyone at your table to enjoy a bite of sunshine.
Final Thoughts
If the idea of soft, tangy, irresistibly sweet bars makes your heart skip a beat, don’t wait—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a pan of Lemon Brownies! They’re the kind of crowd-pleasing, versatile treat you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, bursting with tangy citrus flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and flavors: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Let cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
- Make glaze: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
Notes
- You can add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
- These brownies are best enjoyed within a few days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Lemon Brownies, Lemon Dessert, Citrus Brownies
