Lemon Brownies

Delight in these bright and zesty Lemon Brownies. Thick, lemony brownies topped with a sweet and tart glaze.

Lemon brownies on parchment paper with lemon slices on top.

You are going to fall in love with these lemon brownies. Although they do not look like your typical “brownie,” they have that thick, dense, texture of a brownie you know and love. All you need are a few simple ingredients and 40 minutes and you will have zesty lemon brownies at your fingertips!

For more lemon desserts you have to check out my Lemon Sugar Cookies, Lemon Curd Cake, and my traditional Lemon Bars.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for lemon brownies.

Fresh Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest: To give that bright and tangy lemon flavor.

Confectioner’s Sugar: To create a smooth and creamy glaze on top of the brownies.

For a full list of ingredients and amounts see the recipe card below.

How to Make Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. This allows for easy removal of the brownies after they have baked.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer or using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Butter and sugar in a glass bowl.

Step 3: Next, add in the large eggs and mix until combined.

Eggs added into the glass bowl.

Step 4: Then, add lemon juice and lemon zest into the mixture and mix until combined. Note the batter might look curdled at this point, this is normal.

Lemon juice and lemon zest added into the brownie batter.

Step 5: Add salt and all-purpose flour and mix until batter has formed. Be sure not to overmix.

Dry ingredients added into the lemon brownie batter.

Step 6: Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until it has just set in the middle. Be careful not to overbake, you want the fudgy texture like a brownie.

Brownie batter in the prepared baking pan.

Step 7: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 8: While the brownies are cooling, make the lemon glaze. In a medium bowl whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. You want to create a consistency of a thick but pourable glaze.

Powdered sugar and lemon juice in a glass bowl.

Step 9: Once the brownies have cooled, remove them from the baking dish, pour the glaze over the top then serve and enjoy!

Lemon brownies stacked on top of each other.

FAQs

Why are these called lemon brownies when there is no chocolate in them?

Great question! I call these lemon brownies because of the thick chewy texture they have, it is the same as eating a brownie, they just have a lemon flavor instead of chocolate flavor. But you can call them whatever you prefer!

What is the difference between lemon brownies and lemon bars?

Lemon brownies are more cakey and dense like a brownie where Lemon Bars have more of a custard like filling to them.

Storage Information

You can store leftovers of these lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also store them in your fridge for up to 1 week.

To freeze I would recommend doing so before adding the glaze by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 months.

Lemon brownies stacked on a table.

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Delight in these bright and zesty Lemon Brownies. Thick, lemony brownies topped with a sweet and tart glaze.

Lemon Brownies Recipe

Delight in these bright and zesty Lemon Brownies. Thick, lemony brownies topped with a sweet and tart glaze.
5 from 6 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Brownies & Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Andrea
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Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1/2 cup butter - softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 4 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 1/4 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 2 – 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
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Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer or using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Next, add in the eggs and mix until combined.
  • Then, add lemon juice and lemon zest and mix until combined. Note the batter might look curdled at this point, this is normal.
  • Add salt and all-purpose flour and mix until batter has formed. Be sure not to overmix.
  • Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until it has just set in the middle. Be careful not to overbake, you want the thick texture like a brownie.
  • Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.
  • While the brownies are cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice. You want to create a consistency of a thick but pourable glaze.
  • Once the brownies have cooled, remove them from the baking dish, spread the glaze over the top then serve and enjoy!

VIDEO

NOTES

You can store leftovers of these lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also store them in your fridge for up to 1 week.
To freeze I would recommend doing so before adding the glaze by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

5 from 6 votes

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