It was one of those afternoons when the sun peeked through the kitchen window just right, and all I wanted was something bright. Something that felt like summer in a bite. These lemon brownies came to life in that exact moment — soft, golden bars with just enough tang to wake up your tastebuds and a glaze that practically sings.
Unlike lemon bars, which have a gooey lemon curd, or blondies, which lean into caramel notes, these lemon brownies strike a perfect middle ground. Moist, cakey, and full of citrus, they’re finished with a tart glaze that brings it all together.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies
- ½ cup salted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon – Packs bright, natural citrus flavor
- 2 large eggs – Help bind and tenderize the batter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brings out that zingy finish
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – The soft, sturdy base
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Lifts the texture just a touch
For the Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar – Smooth and creamy finish
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Sharpens the glaze flavor
- Zest of ½ lemon – Adds an extra citrus punch
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Parchment is ideal — it makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the brownies out in one piece.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the lemon juice.
Fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Don’t overmix — it keeps the brownies tender.
Step 3: Bake Until Set
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The top should look soft but set. Let them cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest together in a small bowl. Once the brownies are mostly cool, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Cool, Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set completely before slicing. This usually takes 30–60 minutes. Cut into 16 small squares and serve.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Want more lemon flavor? Add extra zest or a drop of lemon extract.
- Stir in white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Swap lemon for lime or orange for a fun variation.
- Always cool fully before slicing — the glaze sets better and the texture stays neat.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Lemon Brownies vs. Lemon Bars
These aren’t lemon bars. Lemon bars usually have a buttery crust with a gooey lemon curd layer. Lemon brownies, on the other hand, are moist and cakey. They hold their shape better and feel more like a dessert bar than a tart. Plus, the glaze gives them a shiny, citrusy crown.
Lemon Brownies Recipe Card
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Lemon Brownies Recipe – Sweet, Tangy & Irresistible Treat
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tangy lemon brownies with a soft, moist texture and a tart lemon glaze. Light and fresh flavor, different from lemon bars or blondies.
Ingredients
½ cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)
¾ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup powdered sugar
1½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Zest of ½ lemon (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8″ pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
2. Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in eggs one at a time, then lemon juice.
4. Add flour and baking powder; mix until just combined.
5. Pour into the pan and smooth evenly.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10–15 minutes.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients and pour over cooled brownies.
9. Spread glaze evenly and let brownies cool completely before slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
If using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon salt.
Line your pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Want more zing? Add extra zest or lemon extract.
Can double the recipe for a 9×13″ pan.
Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a fun twist.
White chocolate chips make a sweet variation.
Make sure brownies are completely cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 124
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 52mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more citrusy or cozy baking ideas?
- Try these zesty homemade lemon truffles for a no-bake citrus treat
- This best fudgy chewy brookies recipe is a chocolate-lovers dream
- Planning for fall? These Halloween spiderweb brownies are playful and fun
- Cozy up with a slice of easy cinnamon apple cake on a crisp baking day
FAQ
Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?
Yes! Use a 9×13″ pan and double all ingredients. It may need a few extra minutes to bake — check at 25 minutes.
Can I make these lemon brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. They turn out beautifully — just don’t overmix.
How do I know when lemon brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. The top will look light golden and set.
Conclusion
These lemon brownies are a sweet, tart, and incredibly satisfying dessert. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and perfect for any lemon lover. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a sunny afternoon, give this recipe a try and let the citrus shine.
You can also follow and share your results with me on Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see your lemony creations!