Craving something fresh and exciting? Say hello to my lemon brownies, the dessert you never knew you needed! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, chewy brownie with a burst of citrusy lemon flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.
If you’re looking to add a refreshing twist to your baking, these Lemon Brownies will quickly become your new favorite treat.
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Let’s dive into how you can whip up the best lemon brownies in just five simple steps. Whether you’re a baking pro or a casual baker, this recipe is foolproof and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies aren’t just delicious, they’re downright irresistible. Here’s why:
A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of fresh lemons is complemented by just the right amount of sweetness.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, including prep time!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a potluck, afternoon tea, or a simple family dessert, these brownies are a hit every time.
Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
Looking to try a bold and unique brownie recipe? Check out my Sourdough Brownies, they’re also rich, easy, and fudgy!
Ingredients for the Best Lemon Brownies
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these zesty treats:
Brownies:
- All-Purpose Flour: We all know it gives the brownies their perfect structure and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: brings sweetness and perfectly balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Baking Powder: Provides just a touch of lift for a soft yet dense texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: It is important because it gives a richness and ensures the brownies are moist.
- Eggs: The glue that holds everything, I am using 2 large eggs here.
- Lemon Zest: play a huge role hereby adding a bright citrus flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers tangy goodness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the lemony flavor.
Lemon Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, giving it sweetness and smoothness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest: Thins the glaze and adds that signature tang.
Note: This is just a quick rundown of the ingredients I used and why, to find all the details and measurements, simply scroll down to the recipe card!
How to Make Lemon Brownies in 5 Simple Steps
Baking these lemon brownies is as easy as it gets. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready to go when you are. While the oven is warming up, take out your trusty 8×8-inch baking dish.
Give it a light coating of grease to make sure nothing sticks (no one likes brownies stuck to the pan, right?). For extra insurance, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on two sides.
This will act as handy “handles” to lift the brownies out once they’re baked, because let’s be honest, the less mess, the better. check this to know more. “Baking with a parchment paper sling“
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s bring the batter to life! Grab your large mixing bowl. Start by adding the melted butter. (Quick tip: let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.)
Now, crack in the eggs, add the sugar, then the lemon juice, and sprinkle in the zest. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
You’ll know it’s ready when the sugar seems to disappear into the liquid, leaving you with a beautiful, glossy base for your brownies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. In a different bowl, give the flour, baking powder, and salt a good whisk after sifting them for a smooth mix! Sifting might feel like an extra step, but it ensures your brownies are lump-free and gives them a soft, tender crumb.
Take your dry and wet ingredients and fold them together. Use a spatula to gently fold it in, no vigorous mixing here! The key is to stop as soon as everything is combined.
Step 4: Bake your Brownies
It’s baking time! Take your creamy batter and put it into your pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Take a moment to smooth the top, this little effort makes for evenly baked, picture-perfect brownies.
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes.
Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes; when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
While your brownies cool (seriously, let them cool completely, patience is key), you can whip up the glaze.
Now, take a small bowl and mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. Begin with 2 tablespoons of juice and gradually add more, just a splash at a time, until you’ve got the perfect consistency.
Add lemon zest for extra flair if desired.
Once the brownies have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface.
Give it about 20 minutes to set (or 10 if you just can’t wait!), then slice into squares. Now, it’s time to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies Every Time
Want your lemon brownies to be flawless? Here are some expert tips:
Use Fresh Lemons Only: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
Don’t Overmix: Stirring the batter too much can lead to dense, tough brownies.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the brownies are warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
Adjust the Glaze Consistency: For a thicker glaze, simply add less lemon juice. For a thinner drizzle, add more.
FAQ About Lemon Brownies
What Sets Lemon Brownies Apart from Lemon Bars?
Lemon brownies are dense, chewy, and have a subtle lemon flavor throughout the batter. Lemon bars, on the other hand, have a shortbread crust with a lemon custard filling. Both are delicious, but lemon brownies are simpler and more cake-like.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the best results. The texture might be a bit different, but the flavor will still stand out!
Can I Add White Chocolate to Lemon Brownies?
Absolutely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with the tangy flavor of lemon. You can drizzle melted white chocolate over the glaze for an extra indulgent touch. It’s a simple way to elevate your lemon brownies and make them even more decadent!
Conclusion
Lemon brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the zing of citrus with the comfort of a classic brownie. Their ease of preparation and vibrant flavor make them a must-try for any occasion. If you follow my 5 steps, you’ll end up with the most soft, chewy, and flavorful lemon brownies you’ve ever tasted.
It will make me so HAPPY if you rate this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Thank you
The Best Lemon Brownies in 5 Simple Steps
Craving something fresh and exciting? Say hello to my lemon brownies, the dessert you never knew you needed! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, chewy brownie with a burst of citrusy lemon flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice adjust for desired tartness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional, for depth of flavor
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 or 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice adjust for consistency
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional) for extra brightness
Instructions
- preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) like always. Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the edges for easy lifting.
- Grab your large mixing bowl. Mix in the melted butter, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and a dash of lemon zest. Remember, whisk until just smooth, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated. The mixture should have a creamy consistency.
- In a separate bowl, give the flour, baking powder, and salt a good whisk after sifting them for a smooth mix! Grab a spatula and start folding your dry and wet ingredients all together. stop as soon as everything is combined. Pour that luscious batter into your pan, start spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze. take a small bowl and mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, until you’ve got the perfect consistency.
- Add lemon zest for extra flair if desired. Next pour your glaze over the top, spreading it evenly. Give it about 20 minutes to set, then slice into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons Only: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the brownies are warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 brownieAmount Per Serving:Calories: 163Saturated Fat: 5.6gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 16.5mgCarbohydrates: 10gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
