Lemon Brownies Recipe
These Lemon Brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies by combining rich buttery cake with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Topped with a smooth lemon glaze and optional zest garnish, they are a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy, ideal for any dessert lover who craves a refreshing treat.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Add Eggs: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, soft texture in the brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies cool in the pan, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency, aiming for a pourable but thick glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the brownies have completely cooled, pour the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Spread it out carefully and sprinkle with additional lemon zest if using, for extra vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the glaze to set slightly before using the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and soft.
- Let the brownies cool completely before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Adjust the lemon juice in the glaze to your taste preference; less if you prefer sweeter glaze, more for tangier flavor.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to remove the brownies from the pan in one piece.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon dessert, glazed brownies, citrus brownies, easy lemon dessert, lemon glaze