Best Lemon Brownies Recipe | Bright & Fudgy Citrus Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your dessert game with these irresistible Bright & Fudgy Lemon Brownies! Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a perfectly chewy texture, these citrus bars are an exciting twist on traditional brownies. Ideal for any occasion, from brunch to parties, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser that adds a zesty flair to your dessert table.

Evelyn Parker

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2025-11-14T13:05:39.754Z

These Lemon Brownies are the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat for lemon lovers!

A Unique Twist on Traditional Brownies

Lemon brownies offer a refreshing departure from the standard chocolate variety, adding a burst of citrus that brightens your dessert table. These delightful bars combine the fudgy goodness of traditional brownies with the tart and zesty flavor of fresh lemons, creating a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dessert that's both rich in flavor and light in texture. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the tartness of the lemons makes these brownies an irresistible treat. They are perfect for serving at gatherings, offering your guests something different that will leave a lasting impression.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or celebrating a special occasion, these lemon brownies are a versatile dessert choice. Their vibrant color and tempting aroma make them an attractive centerpiece, while their delicious taste ensures they will be a hit among guests of all ages.

These brownies are also incredibly easy to make in large batches, ensuring you have enough to go around. Simply double the recipe and you’ll be set for any event, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations, making them a staple in your baking repertoire.

How to Store and Serve

Storing your lemon brownies properly is key to maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. Once cooled and glazed, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or for enjoying throughout the week.

When ready to serve, consider garnishing the brownies with additional lemon zest or fresh berries to elevate their presentation. Pairing them with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent treat that's sure to please.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Brownies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Mix all the ingredients until well combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Brownies!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies

To ensure your lemon brownies turn out perfectly every time, use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives your brownies a vibrant, fresh taste that bottled lemon juice simply cannot replicate.

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, as too much can lead to dry brownies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Creative Additions

For an extra flavor boost, consider folding in some white chocolate chips or toasted nuts into the brownie batter before baking. These additions complement the lemon flavor beautifully and add a delightful texture to your brownies.

You can also experiment with different glaze flavors. Try infusing the glaze with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a sophisticated twist that pairs well with the lemony goodness of the brownies.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Best Lemon Brownies Recipe | Bright & Fudgy Citrus Bars

Elevate your dessert game with these irresistible Bright & Fudgy Lemon Brownies! Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a perfectly chewy texture, these citrus bars are an exciting twist on traditional brownies. Ideal for any occasion, from brunch to parties, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser that adds a zesty flair to your dessert table.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Evelyn Parker

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 bars

What You'll Need

For the Lemon Brownies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  5. 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the brownies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth.

Step 07

Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 18g