Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with a vibrant, tangy lemon flavor. These treats are sweet yet zesty, making them perfect for any gathering or a simple afternoon snack. With their incredible moistness and bright taste, they truly stand out among dessert options. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Brownies
These Lemon Brownies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a unique dessert that appeals to everyone. Here are more reasons to love this recipe:
- Quick preparation time of just 35 minutes.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfectly moist and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile enough to be dressed up with icing or served plain.
- Great for parties, picnics, or as a sweet treat at home.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting flour with a gluten-free blend.
This American dessert is not just a recipe; it’s a way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring and summer all year round!
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies
Gather these items:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze)
How to Make Lemon Brownies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 8: Optional Lemon Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled brownies.
- Step 9: Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Brownies
Keep these in mind:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter.
- To make Lemon Fudge Brownies, consider adding white chocolate chips.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Brownies
These brownies can be enjoyed in several delightful ways:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with fresh berries for a tangy twist.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
How to Store and Reheat Lemon Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep and quick desserts!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Brownies
What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Brownies?
The secret lies in balancing the wet and dry ingredients. Make sure you measure accurately and do not overmix the batter. This will help achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Can I make Lemon Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and they will maintain their flavor and moistness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Brownies?
Common mistakes include overbaking and not letting them cool before cutting. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
Variations of Lemon Brownies You Can Try
Here are some fun twists you can try with this Lemon Brownie recipe:
- Lemon Blondies: Similar to Lemon Brownies but with a thicker, cake-like texture.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: Substitute flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Lemon Bars: Transform the recipe into a classic lemon bar with a buttery crust.
- Lemon Brownies with Icing: Top with a lemon glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
These variations will keep your dessert game exciting and delicious!

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Irresistible Orange Zest Cranberry recipe or try making Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce to drizzle over your favorite dishes.
For more tips on baking, you might find our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake recipe helpful, or explore our Irresistible Key Lime Pie for a refreshing dessert option.
Print
Delicious Lemon Brownies: 7 Zesty Variations to Try
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Brownies are tangy, sweet, and wonderfully moist with a rich lemon flavor and a soft, fudgy texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Optional Lemon Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Lemon Brownies, dessert, zesty treat