Lemon Brownies are a bright and fun twist on classic fudgy brownies. You get the chewy texture of brownies with the refreshing lemon taste. The lemon glaze on top gives these fudgy lemon brownies an extra citrus punch!
I am a lemon girlie. I would be hard pressed to pass up a lemon dessert. Take that bright lemon flavor and combine it with the irresistible texture of a fudgy brownie and I am sold. These lemon brownies might just be my dream dessert. If you're a lemon lover like me you'll also love these Lemon Curd Cookies.
If you're looking for more easy brownie recipes check out my Brownie Mix Cookies, Brownie Bites, or Brownies with Strawberry.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The bright and refreshing flavor of the lemon juice and zest make these brownies perfect for the spring and summer months. Just like my Lemon Curd Cake.
- They have the same soft, chewy texture that you know and love from a normal brownie. You can also find that texture in my Brownie Mix Cookies.
- These brownies are so simple to make, yet so delicious! I think the same of my Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins.
- They are a fun and different take on normal brownies. Just like these Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are a different take on normal chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Lemon juice and lemon zest will add flavor and color to the brownies. I also use both of these in my Lemon Blueberry Cookies.
- Powdered sugar will be the base of the lemon glaze for the top of the brownies. I also use powdered sugar for the icing on my Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream.
- Measuring the all-purpose flour correctly is very important. I suggest weighing your flour out. If you want to use a measuring cup, make sure you spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t use the cup to scoop directly from the flour.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add blueberries to the batter before baking to make Lemon Blueberry Brownies. Get more blueberry flavor in my Blueberry Pop Tarts.
- You can swap the lemon for lime, orange, or grapefruit for a different citrus flavor. I use lime in my Key Lime Macarons.
- Add poppy seeds to the batter for Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies. I also use poppy seeds in my Lemon Poppy Seed Cake.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F). Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray and then lay thick strips of parchment paper across the bottom of the pan in a cross shape.
STEP 2: In a medium bowl combine the melted butter and sugar.
STEP 3: When fully combined add the eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until fully combined and light in color.
STEP 4: In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and remove any lumps.
STEP 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
STEP 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake the brownies for 25-27 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you make the glaze.
STEP 7: Combine all of the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until fully combined and free of lumps.
STEP 8: Pour the glaze over the cooled lemon brownies recipe and spread evenly.
Expert Tips
- Use an oven thermometer. Most ovens run either hot or cold. Using an oven thermometer ensures that you are baking your brownies at the perfect temperature.
- Weigh your ingredients. One of the most common baking mistakes that I see is measuring incorrectly, especially with flour. The best way to get accurate measurements every time is to weigh them with a kitchen scale.
- Don't over mix. You need to mix your batter until all of the ingredients are JUST combined, otherwise, you will make too much gluten and your brownies will be more like cake instead of fudgy. If you're looking for that cakey texture try out my Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Recipe FAQ's
A regular brownie uses cocoa powder and/or chocolate to give it that delicious chocolatey flavor. Lemon Brownies use lemon juice and lemon zest instead of chocolate. So you get the fudgy sweetness of a brownie recipe with a delicious lemon flavor.
Room Temperature: The brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
Refrigerator: If stored correctly in an airtight container the Lemon Brownies will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezer: If stored correctly in an airtight container they will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you tried these Lemon Brownies or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I so appreciate hearing from you!
Recipe
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
For Lemon Brownies:
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter melted
- 1 ¼ cup (248 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large (100 grams) eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cup (150 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Lemon Glaze
- ¾ cup (85 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
For Lemon Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F). Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray and then lay thick strips of parchment paper across the bottom of the pan in a cross shape.
- In a medium bowl combine the melted butter and sugar.
- When fully combined add the eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until fully combined and light in color.
- In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and remove any lumps.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake the brownies for 25-27 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you make the glaze.
For Lemon Glaze:
- Combine all of the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until fully combined and free of lumps.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled lemon brownies recipe and spread evenly.
Notes
- Don't over mix. You need to mix your batter until all of the ingredients are JUST combined, otherwise, you will make too much gluten and your brownies will be more like cake instead of fudgy.
- The provided nutrition information is an estimate for the entire cake, the calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.
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