Lemon Brownie Recipe

Introduction

Bright and tangy, these lemon brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat. With a moist, buttery base and a zesty lemon glaze, they’re perfect for anyone craving a refreshing dessert with a citrus kick.

There are three square pieces of lemon cake stacked on a white plate, each piece showing a soft, light yellow crumb texture with a thin, creamy white frosting layer on top. The bottom piece is fully visible, the middle piece is slightly angled, and the top piece is resting neatly on the stack with a small crumbly edge visible. The background shows a white marbled texture and slightly out-of-focus shapes, enhancing the focus on the cake slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (softened, 1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Add the flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, and half a lemon’s zest to make the glaze.
  8. Step 8: Pour the glaze evenly over the brownies and spread to coat.
  9. Step 9: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
  • Use a microplane for zesting to avoid bitter white pith.
  • Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
  • Add a handful of fresh blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper extending over the edges for easier removal.

Storage

Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Let refrigerated brownies come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave to enjoy a soft texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds several square pieces of yellow cake with a smooth pale yellow icing layer on top. The cake looks soft and moist with a light crumb texture visible on the sides. The pieces are stacked slightly unevenly, creating a small pile in the middle of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and in the blurred background, there is a white bowl with yellow fruit inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture results.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.

Print

Lemon Brownie Recipe

This Lemon Brownie recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional brownies by incorporating fresh lemon zest and juice, resulting in a bright, tangy dessert with a soft, cakey texture topped with a sweet lemon glaze.

  • Author: Mila
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Lemon Glaze

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the brownies after baking.
  2. Make batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air and distributes the zest evenly.
  3. Add eggs and lemon juice: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and mix to combine.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then add to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
  5. Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  6. Bake the brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the brownies are fully cooked but still moist.
  7. Cool slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set before glazing.
  8. Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth to create a bright, tangy glaze.
  9. Glaze brownies: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm brownies and spread it with a spatula or the back of a spoon to coat the surface thoroughly.
  10. Cool fully and slice: Let the glazed brownies cool completely to room temperature to allow the glaze to set, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the bright citrus flavor of the brownies.
  • Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft texture.
  • Allow the brownies to cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  • The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish; adjust lemon juice amount to taste.
  • For easy removal, lining the pan with parchment paper is recommended.

Keywords: Lemon Brownies, Citrus Brownies, Lemon Dessert, Lemon Glaze Brownies, Homemade Brownies

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