Looking for a refreshing twist on traditional brownies? These zesty lemon brownies recipe combine the dense, fudgy texture you love about chocolate brownies with bright citrus flavors. Perfect for spring gatherings or summer picnics, these citrus bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You'll Love These Lemon Brownies Recipe
These lemon brownies (sometimes called "lemonies") are a unique dessert that brings together the best of both worlds – the dense, chewy texture of brownies and the bright, refreshing taste of lemons. They're topped with a glossy lemon glaze that adds an extra punch of citrus flavor and makes them look absolutely irresistible. This small-batch recipe is perfect for dessert for two, though you might want to make extra because they disappear quickly!
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Ingredients
the Lemon Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray
Make the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until well combined
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined - don't overmix
Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack
Glaze
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest
- Once brownies are completely cool, pour the glaze over the top
- Spread evenly and let set for about 30 minutes before cutting
Helpful Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture
- Don't overbake - these should remain slightly fudgy in the middle
- When zesting lemons, avoid the white pith as it can add bitterness
- For the brightest yellow color, use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice
Dietary Considerations & Variations
These lemon brownies can be adapted for various dietary needs:
- Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- For dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil
- Add white chocolate chips for extra richness
- Include poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy seed variation
Equipment For Lemon Brownies Recipe
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Microplane or zester
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Wrap unglazed brownies well and freeze for up to 3 months
Top Tip
The secret to achieving that perfect fudgy texture is to slightly underbake these lemon brownies. They should look set around the edges but still be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven. They'll continue to set as they cool.
FAQ
What are the three types of brownies?
The three main types of brownies are: fudgy, cakey, and chewy. Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio, resulting in a dense, rich texture. Cakey brownies contain more flour and leavening agents for a lighter texture. Chewy brownies strike a balance between the two, often using both butter and oil to achieve their texture. The type depends on ingredient ratios and mixing methods.
Why are boxed brownies so much better?
Boxed brownies often taste better because they're scientifically formulated with precise ratios of ingredients and commercial-grade emulsifiers. They contain specialized ingredients like modified starches and preservatives that create consistent texture. Additionally, box mixes use a specific type of heat-resistant chocolate flavoring that maintains its taste during baking, and their sugar crystals are processed to a precise size for optimal dissolution.
What does adding milk instead of water do to brownies?
Adding milk instead of water to brownies makes them more rich and fudgy because milk contains fat and proteins that water doesn't. The proteins in milk help create a softer texture, while the fat contributes to richness and moisture. Milk also adds subtle flavor and helps develop a better crust due to its natural sugars caramelizing during baking.
What is baking soda used for in brownies?
Baking soda in brownies serves multiple purposes: it helps create a lighter texture by reacting with acidic ingredients (like cocoa powder) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, it helps brownies rise slightly, and it creates a more tender crumb. It also helps develop a better crust and balances the pH level, which affects both texture and flavor development during baking.
HOW DID YOUR LEMON BROWNIES OUT?
How did your Lemon Brownies Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and dense, fudgy texture, crowned with a tart lemon glaze that makes every bite burst with sunshine. If you're a fan of unique dessert bars, be sure to try our Triple Layer Slutty Brownies next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Lemon Brownies Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some bakers have had great success adding fresh blueberries, while others love incorporating white chocolate chips or a hint of lavender. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Brownies
Lemon Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Microplane or zester
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prep:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
Make Batter:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time
- Mix in lemon zest and juice
- Fold in dry ingredients until just combined
Bake:
- Pour into prepared pan
- Bake 23-25 minutes until toothpick has few crumbs
- Cool completely
Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest
- Pour over cooled brownies
- Let set 30 minutes before cutting
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Don't overbake - center should be slightly fudgy
- Let cool completely before glazing
Sophie says
Question, Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
merry says
Yummyyy 😍