Why You’ll Love Lemon Brownies Recipe

These lemon brownies are a delightful treat for those who love a balance of sweetness and tartness. The zesty lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the dense brownie base, offering a refreshing contrast that’s simply irresistible. The soft, chewy texture of the brownies pairs perfectly with a light lemon glaze, making each bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual afternoon, or just craving something sweet with a citrusy kick, these brownies are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Once the brownies have cooled, mix the powdered sugar with a tablespoon of lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the brownies.
Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 squares
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a fun twist.
Lemon Coconut Brownies: Fold in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze lemon brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the brownies for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

2. Can I make these lemon brownies ahead of time?

Yes, lemon brownies can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

3. What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?

You can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free version.

4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just drizzle it over the brownies when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I add a lemon curd filling inside the brownies?

Yes, you can swirl lemon curd into the batter before baking for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

6. Are these brownies more like a cake or traditional fudgy brownies?

These lemon brownies have a slightly denser texture, similar to a fudgy brownie, but with the lightness and freshness of lemon.

7. Can I substitute the powdered sugar for something else in the glaze?

If you don’t have powdered sugar, you could use regular granulated sugar, but the glaze may be less smooth and glossy.

8. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?

Yes, you can use lime, orange, or even grapefruit to create different citrusy flavors in your brownies.

9. How can I make the brownies more tart?

Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest in the recipe for a more intense lemon flavor.

10. Can I use a larger or smaller baking pan?

If you use a larger pan, the brownies will bake thinner and faster, while a smaller pan will make the brownies thicker and take longer to bake. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

These lemon brownies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you enjoy them for a snack, dessert, or as a part of a celebration, they’re sure to be a hit. With a soft, chewy texture and a fresh lemon glaze, each bite offers a burst of citrusy delight. Make them ahead of time, store them for later, or serve them fresh – no matter how you enjoy them, these lemon brownies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Lemon Brownies Recipe

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These lemon brownies are a tangy and sweet dessert that’s the perfect balance between a traditional lemon bar and a moist, chewy brownie. With a zesty lemon flavor and a buttery, soft texture, these lemon brownies will brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a citrusy treat, this recipe is sure to impress!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 16 squares
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the Brownie Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Glaze the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, feel free to increase the lemon zest or juice in the glaze.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can also refrigerate them for up to a week if you’d prefer a firmer texture.