Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Fudgy, Zesty, & Perfectly Sweet

If you’re craving a bright, tangy dessert with a fudgy texture, this Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor from both zest and juice, these homemade lemon brownies are dense, rich, and perfectly balanced with sweetness. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, each bite is irresistibly moist and flavorful. Ideal for parties, brunch, afternoon tea, or any time you want a citrusy treat, these lemon brownies are quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and deliver big flavor. With a soft, fudgy interior and a glossy, citrusy glaze, they are a crowd-pleasing dessert that will impress family and friends. Perfect for lemon lovers, this recipe is easy enough for beginners and versatile enough to enjoy year-round.

Introduction

Lemon desserts are always a hit, and these Easy Lemon Brownies combine the best of two worlds: the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie and the bright, refreshing flavor of fresh lemon. Unlike traditional lemon bars, which can be delicate or cakey, these brownies have a dense, moist crumb with a vibrant lemon punch. Topped with a sweet-tangy glaze, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just want a simple homemade treat, these lemon brownies are perfectly portable, easy to slice, and utterly addictive. The combination of butter, sugar, and lemon juice makes them moist and tender, while the zest intensifies the citrus flavor without overpowering the dessert. Best of all, this recipe is beginner-friendly, uses common pantry ingredients, and bakes in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy & Moist: Dense and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bright Lemon Flavor: Zest and juice provide fresh, tangy flavor.
• Easy & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Glazed Finish: Tangy lemon glaze adds elegance and sweetness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, tea time, or casual snacking.
• Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward mixing and baking steps.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 24 squares | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

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 (from 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

Ingredient Notes:

• Lemon Zest & Juice: Provide vibrant citrus flavor. Use fresh lemons for the best aroma.
• Butter & Eggs: Create a rich, fudgy texture.
• Powdered Sugar Glaze: Adds a sweet, tangy finish and glossy look.
• Flour & Salt: Structure the brownie and balance flavors.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Microplane or zester
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

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

Make Batter:

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
7. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake:

8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Glaze:

11. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth.
12. Stir in lemon zest.
13. Pour glaze over cooled brownies and allow to set for 30 minutes before cutting.

Tips & Variations

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth, well-mixed batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can create tough brownies.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the center is fully baked but still moist.
• Extra Zesty: Add an additional teaspoon of zest to the glaze for extra citrus flavor.
• Mini Lemon Brownies: Bake in a 9×9 inch pan for thicker, smaller brownies; adjust baking time slightly.

Flavor Profile

These lemon brownies are dense, fudgy, and moist with a bright, zesty lemon flavor that cuts through the richness. The buttery base adds depth, while the powdered sugar glaze brings a sweet, tangy finish. Each bite is soft and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by the refreshing citrus aroma from fresh zest. The contrast of fudgy interior and glossy glaze creates a satisfying mouthfeel.

Nutritional Overview

Serving Size: 1 square (56g)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	26 g
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	4.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2.2 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	18 g
Cholesterol	48 mg
Sodium	52 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, citrus-forward, naturally sweetened with sugar, easy to portion.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 1 week; allow to come to room temperature before serving for soft texture.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Glaze: Pour over cooled brownies; do not glaze warm brownies or glaze may run.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh juice is recommended for vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
2. Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
3. How do I prevent brownies from being dry? Do not overbake; toothpick should come out mostly clean but still moist.
4. Can I make mini lemon squares? Yes, bake in a smaller pan, adjusting time to maintain fudginess.
5. Can I use a different sweetener? Granulated sugar is best for texture, but coconut sugar or maple sugar can be experimented with.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into squares for a party platter.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra zest on top.
• Pair with fresh berries for a bright presentation.
• Great for picnic treats or lunchbox desserts.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Lemons: Fresh zest and juice provide natural brightness and aroma.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates the fudgy texture.
• Powdered Sugar Glaze: Balances tartness and gives a glossy, sweet finish.

Pro Baking Tips

• Whip butter and sugar thoroughly for a lighter, airy texture.
• Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent toughness.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Cool completely before glazing for the best finish.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: 3 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week, maintain freshness of glaze.
• Freezer: 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before slicing.

Nutrition Estimate Table

Nutrient	Amount per Square
Calories	185 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	26 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	18 g

Expanded Conclusion

These Easy Lemon Brownies are a perfect fusion of dense, fudgy texture and bright, zesty citrus flavor. Quick to make and irresistibly flavorful, they’re ideal for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The tangy lemon glaze adds a professional touch while keeping preparation simple. Save, share, and indulge in these homemade lemon brownies that are sure to become a favorite dessert all year round.

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