Lemon Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s made with real lemon juice and zest, which gives it a natural, refreshing flavor. The brownies come out tender and chewy, not cakey, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. They’re perfect for spring, summer, or whenever I want a light and zesty dessert that still feels indulgent.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the lemon brownies:
1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
¾ cup (175g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon salt

For the lemon icing:
1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
lemon zest (optional for topping)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F. I butter an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Using an electric mixer (or whisking by hand), I whip until the sugar dissolves, about 3–5 minutes with a mixer or 5–7 minutes by hand. The mixture should no longer feel grainy when rubbed between my fingers.

3. While mixing, I slowly drizzle in the lemon juice, followed by the melted butter and vanilla.

4. I add the flour and salt, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.

5. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

6. I bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

7. I let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

8. For the icing, I whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth, adding a little more juice if needed to reach the right consistency.

9. I pour the icing over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with lemon zest. For clean slices, I let the icing set for about 1 hour before cutting.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 16 bars. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to bake, and around 1 hour and 50 minutes total, including cooling and icing.

Variations

I sometimes fold white chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness. If I want more tang, I add a bit of extra lemon zest. For a lighter version, I make the icing thinner and drizzle it instead of spreading it. I also like cutting them into small bite-sized squares for parties.

Storage/Reheating

I store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; I wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Are these brownies more like cake or fudge?

They’re dense and fudgy, closer to a brownie than a cake.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

I prefer fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I skip the icing?

Yes, but I find the icing adds the perfect finishing touch.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

How do I know when they’re done?

I check with a skewer—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I add other flavors?

Yes, a little almond extract or vanilla bean paste adds extra depth.

How do I get clean slices?

I let the icing set for at least an hour and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but I adjust the baking time—thinner brownies bake faster, thicker ones take longer.

Can I serve these chilled?

Yes, I actually enjoy them cold from the refrigerator for a firmer texture.

Conclusion

These lemon brownies are one of my favorite citrus desserts because they’re bright, fresh, and perfectly fudgy. I love how the simple lemon icing enhances the flavor and makes them look beautiful. They’re a refreshing twist on classic brownies and a treat I keep coming back to whenever I want something zesty and sweet.