Best Lemon Brownies Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the bright and fudgy delight of these Lemon Brownies, where zesty citrus meets a rich, buttery base. Perfect for lemon lovers, these bars are easy to make and deliver a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. Treat yourself and your guests to a slice of sunshine in every bite, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.

Natalie Briggs

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-01T06:23:33.106Z

The Perfect Citrus Dessert

Lemon brownies offer a delightful balance between sweet and tart, making them an ideal treat for all occasions. They are perfect for those who appreciate a refreshing twist on the classic brownie. Each bite provides a burst of lemony flavor that is bright and invigorating, creating an experience far removed from the typical brownie recipe. Whether you're serving these at a summer barbecue or an elegant dinner party, they are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor profile.

Additionally, the rich, buttery texture of these brownies makes them indulgent without being overwhelmingly sweet. The combination of ingredients brings out the natural flavor of lemons, making each bite feel like a mini celebration of citrus goodness. For lemon enthusiasts, this recipe not only delivers on flavor but also offers a satisfying fudgy consistency that is hard to resist.

Easy to Make for Any Occasion

One of the best aspects of this lemon brownies recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of these delicious bars ready in no time. This makes them an excellent choice for last-minute gatherings or when you want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Just one bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry makes clean-up a breeze.

Moreover, the versatility of these lemon brownies means that they can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars fit the bill perfectly. The addition of lemon juice and zest brings a touch of brightness that complements other flavors beautifully, meaning they are great alongside a cup of tea or as a festive dessert during the holidays.

Tips for the Best Lemon Brownies

To elevate your lemon brownies even further, consider using high-quality, fresh lemons for zest and juice. The flavor difference is noticeable and will enhance the overall taste of your brownies. It’s also advisable to let the brownies cool completely before slicing, as this will allow them to set up nicely and result in cleaner cuts. If you prefer a thicker brownie, you can use a smaller pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook all the way through.

For those who enjoy a bit of flair, you might also drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top after they cool for an additional layer of lemon flavor. Just mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice to make a delightful glaze that can be drizzled over the bars. This added step not only enhances the taste but also makes for an eye-catching presentation when serving your lemon brownies.

Ingredients

Lemon Brownies

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Mix well and pour into a greased pan.

Instructions

Prepare the batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined, then add in eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Mix dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy your delicious lemon brownies!

Why Baking with Lemons is Beneficial

Baking with lemons not only adds a delightful flavor but also incorporates numerous health benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which serves as a powerful antioxidant that helps in boosting your immune system. They also aid digestion, which can be particularly beneficial after enjoying a sweet dessert like lemon brownies.

Furthermore, including lemon in your baking can reduce the need for excessive sugar, making recipes like lemon brownies slightly healthier than their cocoa counterparts. The natural acidity of lemons brightens flavors and can reduce the richness of other ingredients, thereby enhancing overall taste without relying solely on sugar.

Storage Tips for Leftover Brownies

If you happen to have leftover lemon brownies, storing them correctly ensures they remain fresh and delicious for days. It is best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you may want to refrigerate them, which can keep them fresh for up to a week.

Alternatively, if you want to save them for later, lemon brownies freeze remarkably well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This method allows you to enjoy a piece of lemony goodness whenever the craving strikes, simply thawing them at room temperature before serving.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, but fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.

Best Lemon Brownies Recipe

Experience the bright and fudgy delight of these Lemon Brownies, where zesty citrus meets a rich, buttery base. Perfect for lemon lovers, these bars are easy to make and deliver a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. Treat yourself and your guests to a slice of sunshine in every bite, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Natalie Briggs

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 bars

What You'll Need

Lemon Brownies

  1. 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  10. Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined, then add in eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 03

Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 04

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 1g