Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture. These treats combine the tanginess of fresh lemon juice and zest with the rich, buttery base of a traditional brownie, making them feel fresh and sweet all at once.
I love making these lemon brownies when I want something a little different but still comforting. The lemon really wakes up your taste buds and gives the brownies a light, sunny feeling that’s perfect for any time you need a little pick-me-up. A quick tip: adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them look extra pretty and adds just the right touch of sweetness.
My favorite way to enjoy lemon brownies is with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a refreshing dessert after dinner. They’re surprisingly easy to make, which always makes me happy because I can whip up a batch whenever I’m craving something homemade but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted butter gives these lemon brownies their rich, tender texture. You can swap with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free options, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Lemons (zest & juice): Fresh lemon zest and juice bring bright, natural tang. If you’re out of lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh zest adds the most flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here for structure. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix—but results might be a little denser.
Powdered sugar glaze: This simple glaze adds a lovely sweet-tart finish. If you want less sweetness, drizzle with just lemon juice or a light dusting of sugar instead.
How Do You Get the Best Lemon Flavor Without Making It Too Sour?
Balancing lemon’s bright acidity with sweetness is key here. Follow these tips for that perfect lemon punch:
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice—they pack more fresh flavor than bottled juice alone.
- Add lemon juice gradually—taste your batter to avoid over-souring.
- The sugar and butter help mellow the tartness, creating a soft lemon flavor rather than sharp sour.
- Don’t skip the lemon glaze; it layers on extra zing while adding sweetness.
These little steps help you keep the lemon lively but smooth in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – I like it because it’s a good size for even baking and easy to handle.
- Mixing bowls – ideal for combining the ingredients smoothly without extra mess.
- Whisk or electric mixer – makes blending the wet ingredients quick and ensures everything’s well combined.
- Paring knife & Zester – for handling lemons easily and getting fine zest.
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accuracy, especially with lemon juice and zest.
- Cooling rack – helps the brownies cool evenly and keeps the glaze from sliding off.
- Spatula – perfect for spreading the glaze evenly over cooled brownies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Blueberry swirls – fold in fresh blueberries into the batter before baking for fruity bursts.
- Lavender or herbs – mix in a teaspoon of dried lavender or chopped herbs for a floral or savory note.
- Coconut flakes – sprinkle toasted coconut on top or mix into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Other citrus – substitute lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist that’s still fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Lemon Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lemon Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, around 25-30 minutes to bake, and about 15 minutes more to cool and set the glaze. So, expect about an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the brownies later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—Don’t overmix, or the brownies could get tough.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should look lightly golden.
5. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
While the brownies cool on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick. Adjust the lemon juice if needed.
6. Glaze and Serve:
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a nice fresh look. Let the glaze set about 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your bright, lemony brownies!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available. Just keep in mind that fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter, fresher flavor. Adjust the amount to taste since bottled juice may be more concentrated or less tart.
How Should I Store Leftover Lemon Brownies?
Store leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Lemon Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but they’ll still taste delicious. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Brownies Without Messing Up the Glaze?
Wait until the glaze has fully set—at least 15 minutes—and use a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, warm the knife blade under hot water, dry it, then cut. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep edges neat.
