These Lemon Brownies are a zesty twist on a classic treat, blending tangy citrus with rich, fudgy decadence. Each bite offers a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor and buttery sweetness, with a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Ready in just 50 minutes, they’re an effortless way to add a burst of sunshine to your day.
With a golden, slightly crisp crust and a soft, velvety center, these bars are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Packed with fresh lemon zest and a hint of vanilla, they’re a refreshing dessert that’s light yet indulgent. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest (avoid the pith for a less bitter flavor)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
- ¾ cup (95 g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Stir again until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until completely combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
For the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency (it should ribbon off the spoon).
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Allow the glaze to harden for 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These lemon brownies are a delightful treat on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple additions. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. For a tangy twist, pair them with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. A cup of hot tea or iced lemonade makes for a perfect beverage companion to balance the sweetness.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your lemon brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add a handful of white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the batter for extra texture. For a richer glaze, mix in a teaspoon of cream cheese. If you’re a fan of citrus, try substituting lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile. These small tweaks can make the recipe uniquely yours while keeping the delightful lemon essence intact.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prepare the glaze while the brownies are baking. This way, it’s ready to pour as soon as they cool. Use a microplane zester for quick and efficient lemon zest removal. If you’re in a rush, skip the glaze and simply dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a quick, elegant finish. These small adjustments can help you enjoy your lemon brownies even faster without compromising on flavor.
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest avoid the pith
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
LEMON GLAZE
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease and flour a 9×9 baking pan or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir well.
- Add egg and egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Stir again until well-combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet until completely combined. Pour into prepared 9×9 pan and transfer to 350F (175C) oven. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before covering with glaze.
- LEMON GLAZEOnce lemon brownies have cooled, prepare glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and lemon zest until well-combined. If mixture is too stiff, add remaining lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached (when you lift a spoon or whisk out of the mixture, the glaze that drizzles off the spoon and falls back into the bowl should hold its ribbon shape for a few seconds before fading back into the rest of the glaze).
- Pour glaze over lemon brownies, use a spatula to smooth evenly over the surface.
- Allow glaze to harden (about 15-30 minutes) before slicing and serving lemon brownies.