Lemon brownies AKA lemon blondies are super soft and moist bars topped with the most delicious glaze. The perfect refreshing dessert that you’ll be making over and over again!
These brownies may be one of my favorite desserts ever! Don’t get me wrong…I love a rich and fudgy chocolate brownie, but there’s something about a lemon brownie that’s so light and fresh. Plus anything that’s lemon flavored is always a hit with me!
I have been loving ALL things lemon lately. There’s just something about citrus desserts that are so refreshing and delicious. And these lemon brownies did not disappoint!
They are moist and buttery, almost like sugar cookies, with just a hint of lemon. The glaze on top is tart and sweet, and makes a perfect compliment to the brownies without being overpowering. I love how light they taste as well…not too rich or heavy. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
How to make lemon brownies
PREPARE. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8″ baking pan with parchment or foil and spray with nonstick spray.
MIX. Beat together the butter, sugar and zest with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. One at a time, mix in the eggs. Then add in the lemon juice. Mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
BAKE. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Glaze for brownies
The glaze takes these brownies over the top! It’s perfectly tart and sweet, with amazing lemon flavor. You could add a little more (or less) juice or zest depending on how much citrus flavor you’d like.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest from half a lemon
Instructions: Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour on top of the brownies and spread evenly to coat. Make sure the brownies have cooled completely before enjoying.
Quick tips and tricks
- Line your pan with parchment or foil for easy clean up.
- If you’re a big lemon lover like me, you can add more zest and juice to the batter and glaze.
- A few followers have had success substituting gluten free flour for all purpose flour to make gluten free.
- Feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9×13″ pan.
- Make sure to let them cool completely before slicing and serving. The brownies need time to set before eating.
- You can easily freeze if desired. Just wrap in plastic wrap and then again with foil. To thaw, set out at room temperature.
More lemon desserts:
Lemon Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8" pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining with foil, and set aside.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the lemon juice. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out clean. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and zest, then pour over the brownies, spreading evenly to coat. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Sweet Pea’s Kitchen.
These were sbdolutel OUTSTANDING!! Our granddaughters made them…and, they ARE our now favorite dessert!!! franki
I’m so glad to hear they loved them! :)
So delicious & fun to make
I’m not a good cook but I’ll try this recipe. The ‘lemon in me’ has urged me to give it a try. Thank you very much for sharing. It looks gorgeous. I’ll share the outcome with you soon. Thanks again Jamielyn!
I hope you enjoy them! :)
I’m gluten-free for medical reasons, so I make everything from scratch. It just tastes better!
I have made these brownies a couple of times now substituting the flour with King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten-free flour. They turn out delicious!!
Aside from the flour tweak, the only other change I’ve done is add the glaze immediately after the brownies come out of the oven. It helps keep them moist and isn’t overly sweet.
I’ve even made these as the dessert for our staff meetings and everyone loved the light lemon taste.
Thank you for a great recipe!!
Thank you so much for your comment Shannon! I’m so glad they turn out well for you with the gluten free substitutions.