These Easy Lemon Brownies are a sweet, tangy treat that combines the soft, chewy texture of brownies with the refreshing burst of lemon. Topped with a simple yet zesty lemon glaze, this dessert is perfect for anyone who loves citrus flavors and wants a dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate version, offering a bright and fresh flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery texture of the brownies. The tangy lemon glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and zing, making every bite irresistible. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a gathering or craving something sweet, these lemon brownies are sure to become a favorite.

Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (2-3 lemons)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment paper.

Make the Batter:

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Fold in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack.

Make the Lemon Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. If you want a thinner glaze, you can add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice.
Stir in the lemon zest.
Once the brownies are completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 12-15 brownies, depending on the size of your slices.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking and cooling time)

Variations

Lemon and Blueberry Brownies: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking for an added burst of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon poppy seed twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the brownies without the glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Fresh lemon zest is also preferred for its aromatic oils, but you can substitute dried lemon zest if necessary.

How can I tell when the brownies are done?

Test the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake them a few more minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter adds a richer flavor and better texture to the brownies, so it’s highly recommended for this recipe.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and glaze them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of glaze?

If you prefer a different glaze, you could make a simple sugar glaze with powdered sugar and milk, or even drizzle with white chocolate for a different flavor.

What can I use to replace eggs in this recipe?

To replace the eggs, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Note that the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make the brownies without the glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the lemony flavor of the brownies on their own.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you’d like a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can I add more lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase the lemon zest in the batter for a stronger citrus flavor if you love lemon. Just keep in mind that it will make the flavor more intense.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze should set in about 30 minutes at room temperature, but you can refrigerate the brownies for faster setting if needed.

Conclusion

These Easy Lemon Brownies are the perfect treat for lemon lovers! With their soft, chewy texture, refreshing citrus flavor, and a tangy glaze, they make an excellent dessert for any occasion. Simple to make and full of bright, zesty flavor, these brownies will be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying a sweet snack at home, they’re sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your day.