Lemon Brownies Recipe
These tangy and sweet Lemon Brownies combine the rich, buttery texture of traditional brownies with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. Topped with a smooth lemon glaze and optional zest garnish, they make a refreshing twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for spring or summer treats.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 37-40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownies
- 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
- 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, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to make removing the brownies easier once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined and aerated.
- 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, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until the mixture is well incorporated and fragrant.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, soft brownie texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Take care not to overbake to preserve moistness.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies cool completely in the pan, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable but thick. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the brownies have fully cooled, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest over the glaze for an extra burst of fresh flavor and decorative touch.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before using the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve fresh.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor in both the zest and juice.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the brownies soft and tender.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or sliding off.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner depending on preference by altering the amount of lemon juice.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon dessert, lemon glaze brownies, citrus brownies, easy lemon brownies recipe, baking with lemons