Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe blends buttery richness with a citrus punch. The lemon-infused sugar and fresh juice make the brownies light and refreshing, yet satisfyingly chewy. Plus, everything comes together in one bowl—no mixer required—so it’s effortless but feels special.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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½ cup butter, melted
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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Zest of 1–2 lemons
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2 large eggs
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1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
For the glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
directions
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
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In a bowl, combine melted butter with sugar and lemon zest, rubbing them together so the oils release.
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Whisk in eggs one at a time until the mixture is glossy, then stir in lemon juice.
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Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt just until no streaks remain.
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Spread batter into pan and bake ~25–30 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs.
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Cool completely in the pan.
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Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze and spread it evenly over the cooled brownies. Let set before slicing.
Servings and timing
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Makes 9–16 brownies (depending on panel size)
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Prep time: ~10 minutes
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Bake time: ~25–30 minutes
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Total time: ~40–45 minutes
Variations
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Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
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Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for depth.
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Mix in fresh blueberries or shredded coconut for a fruity twist.
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Swap lemon for lime or orange juice/zest for a new citrus flavor.
storage/reheating
I store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To revive softened texture, I let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
How do I know when they’re done?
I look for edges that are set and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The brownies continue to bake slightly as they cool.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, they’re delicious on their own. I sometimes dust powdered sugar or add a cream cheese glaze for extra tang.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just bake in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing baking time slightly and checking doneness with a toothpick.
Can these be made gluten‑free?
Yes, I substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results.
How long will they stay fresh?
They taste best within 3 days at room temperature or up to a week when refrigerated. They also freeze well for 2–3 months—just thaw before eating.
Conclusion
These easy lemon brownies hit the perfect balance—bright, tart lemon flavor nestled in a soft, chewy bar with a sweet glaze. I love how simple this recipe is, yet it always feels special. It’s my go-to when I want a citrusy dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.
PrintEasy Lemon Brownies
Bright, tangy lemon squares with a moist, brownie‑like base—simple to make and perfect for citrus cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 9–16 brownies (depending on cut size)
- Category: Dessert • Bars • Citrus
- Method: Baking (oven)
- Cuisine: American / Classic
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
½ cup (113 g) butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1–2 lemons
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Rub zest into sugar to release oils.
Whisk in eggs one at a time until mixture is glossy. Stir in lemon juice.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined—don’t overmix.
Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Look for set edges and moist crumbs on a toothpick.
Cool completely in pan.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies. Let set before slicing.
Notes
For a softer bite, let brownies sit at room temp 30 min before serving.
White chocolate chips or blueberries add richness or fruitiness.
Easily doubled—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust bake time.
Can be made gluten-free with a 1:1 flour blend.
Glaze can be swapped for cream cheese icing or dusting of powdered sugar.
