Best Lemon Brownies Recipe | Bright & Fudgy Citrus Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Brighten your dessert table with these luscious Lemon Brownies! With a soft, fudgy texture and zesty lemon flavor, these citrus bars are perfect for spring gatherings or a refreshing sweet treat any time of year. Easy to make and packed with bright flavors, they will quickly become a family favorite.

Keira Dalton

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2025-12-02T17:32:38.909Z

These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies. The bright citrus notes pair perfectly with the fudgy texture, making them an instant favorite!

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

These Lemon Brownies strike a delightful balance between sweetness and tartness, making them irresistible to citrus lovers. Each bite bursts with fresh lemon flavor, complemented by a rich, fudgy texture that feels indulgent yet light. The combination of lemon zest and juice in the brownie base elevates the taste, ensuring that every square is packed with zest and character.

Unlike traditional brownies, these lemon-infused treats bring a refreshing twist to the dessert table. The natural acidity of lemons enhances the overall flavor profile, making them perfect for a warm day or a festive gathering. If you're a fan of lemon desserts, these brownies are a must-try and are sure to impress your guests.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

One of the best things about these Lemon Brownies is how easy they are to make. Using simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch in no time. The recipe calls for unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and fresh lemons, ensuring you get that vibrant flavor without any complicated steps.

You don't need to be an experienced baker to create these delightful bars. The straightforward process involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them, which helps in achieving that perfect texture. This makes it a great recipe for baking novices as well as seasoned chefs looking for a quick and delicious dessert.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or simply craving a sweet treat, these Lemon Brownies are the ideal choice. Their bright flavor and inviting appearance make them a fantastic addition to any dessert spread. You can even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Moreover, the bars can be easily customized. Feel free to add white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast or a hint of poppy seeds for added texture. They also travel well, making them perfect for potlucks or gifting to friends and family. No matter the occasion, these Lemon Brownies are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Brownies

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

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Lemon Brownies:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Brownies

Once brownies are cool, spread the glaze over the top and let set before slicing into bars.

Enjoy your delicious lemon brownies!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Brownies, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using weight measurements for things like flour can help achieve consistency. It's also crucial to properly zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the skin. Fresh lemons will yield the brightest flavor, so opt for those rather than bottled lemon juice whenever possible.

Additionally, check the brownies a few minutes before the minimum baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, and the brownies should be set but still slightly soft in the center. Allowing them to cool completely before adding the glaze ensures a smooth finish and prevents the glaze from melting!

Storage Recommendations

These Lemon Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness to about a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their fudgy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Best Lemon Brownies Recipe | Bright & Fudgy Citrus Bars

Brighten your dessert table with these luscious Lemon Brownies! With a soft, fudgy texture and zesty lemon flavor, these citrus bars are perfect for spring gatherings or a refreshing sweet treat any time of year. Easy to make and packed with bright flavors, they will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Keira Dalton

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 bars

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the brownies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 07

Once brownies are cool, spread the glaze over the top and let set before slicing into bars.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g