These lemon brownies are one of those bright, sunny bakes we love to make as a team when we want a little citrus pick me up. Dense and fudgy with a fresh burst of lemon and a tangy glaze, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
These lemon brownies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, featuring a dense and fudgy texture with a refreshing burst of lemon flavor, all topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Quick to prepare and perfectly sweet and tangy, they are a wonderful way to enjoy fresh lemons. Bright and irresistible, these lemon brownies are a guaranteed favorite for any dessert lover.
What makes these lemon brownies so good is the double dose of lemon. Fresh zest and juice in the batter, plus a tangy lemon glaze, pack every bite with citrus.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this lemon brownies comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Lemon Brownies
- Dense and fudgy. A rich, brownie like texture.
- Bright lemon flavor. Fresh zest and juice throughout.
- Tangy lemon glaze. A sweet and tart finishing touch.
- Quick and easy. Simple to prepare and bake.
- Perfect for lemon lovers. A refreshing citrus dessert.
What Makes This Lemon Brownies So Good
Fresh lemon, the bright, tart citrus, is the star here, with both zest and juice giving these bars their refreshing flavor.
A dense, fudgy base makes them brownies. Plenty of butter and sugar give them that rich, chewy texture.
A tangy glaze finishes them. A simple powdered sugar and lemon glaze adds a sweet and tart layer on top.
Without any cocoa, these are essentially a citrus blondie, the buttery, brown sugar cousin of the classic chocolate brownie.
Optional Pro Tip: Cool Before Glazing
Cool completely before glazing. A warm bar will melt the glaze right off.
Use fresh lemons. Fresh zest and juice give the brightest flavor.
Tips for the Best Lemon Brownies
- Use fresh lemons. Fresh zest and juice taste brightest.
- Cream butter and sugar well. Three to four minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time. So the batter stays smooth.
- Do not overmix the flour. Fold it in just until combined.
- Line the pan with parchment. For easy lifting and cutting.
- Do not overbake. Pull them when just set for a fudgy texture.
- Cool completely. Before adding the glaze.
- Let the glaze set. About 30 minutes before slicing.
Variations and Add Ins
These lemon brownies are easy to customize.
- Add poppy seeds. For a lemon poppy seed twist.
- Make them extra tart. More lemon zest in the batter.
- Add a berry swirl. Swirl in a little raspberry jam.
- Use lime. Swap the lemon for lime for a fun change.
- Add a glaze drizzle. Extra glaze for the sweetest finish.
- Dust with powdered sugar. In place of the glaze.
- Add fresh berries. On top for serving.
- Make them mini. Cut into bite sized squares.
How to Store
Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let the glaze set fully before stacking them.
They also freeze well. Freeze the unglazed bars in an airtight container for up to three months, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are a bright treat any time, wonderful with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade in warm weather.
They are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, baby showers, and dessert tables. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes them extra special.
For serving, dust them with a little extra powdered sugar or top with fresh lemon zest and a few berries for a beautiful, fresh finish.
- With tea or coffee. A bright afternoon treat.
- With iced tea or lemonade. Perfect for warm days.
- At a spring gathering. Or picnic and dessert table.
- With vanilla ice cream. An extra special pairing.
For another crowd pleasing sweet to round out your dessert table, our carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lemon brownies?
They are dense, fudgy bars, sometimes called lemonies or lemon blondies, made with fresh lemon zest and juice and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. They have a brownie like texture but no chocolate.
Why are they called brownies if there is no chocolate?
The name refers to their dense, fudgy, brownie like texture rather than chocolate. They are essentially a bright, citrus blondie.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest give by far the best, brightest flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch but the flavor will be less vibrant.
How do I keep them fudgy?
Do not overbake them. Pull them out when the center is just set, since they continue to firm up as they cool.
Why did my glaze melt?
The bars were likely still warm. Always cool them completely before glazing so the glaze sets instead of melting in.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. They keep well for up to three days at room temperature, and the flavor is lovely the next day. You can also freeze the unglazed bars.
How thick should the glaze be?
Aim for a thick but pourable glaze. Add lemon juice a little at a time until it is spreadable but not runny.
Can I freeze lemon brownies?
Yes. Freeze the unglazed bars in an airtight container for up to three months, then thaw and add the glaze before serving.
How do I cut clean squares?
Let the glaze set, then use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for neat squares. Chilling them first helps too.
What should I serve with them?
They are wonderful with tea, coffee, iced tea, or lemonade, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them extra special.
Bright, Tangy, and Irresistible
These lemon brownies bake a dense, fudgy, buttery bar bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, finished with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. They are a bright, refreshing twist on a classic treat.
Quick to make and perfect for spring and summer, they are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Once you try them, these lemon brownies will become a citrus lover’s favorite.
Craving another bright, lemony favorite? Our chicken piccata is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Lemon Brownies with Tangy Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 F, line a 9 by 13 inch pan with parchment paper, and grease the parchment lightly.
- Whisk together the flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then cool completely.
- Mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice, then add the lemon zest.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and let it set for 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
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