Lemon Brownies that are moist and rich! This Lemon Brownie Recipe is filled with lemon zest and has a delicious glaze that you'll love!
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While I love a rich, chocolatey brownie (like our Dark Chocolate Brownies or S'mores Brownies), sometimes I love a dessert that is light, refreshing, with a little zest and these Lemon Brownies are absolutely perfect!
These blondies only take 8 ingredients and less than an hour to make for a dessert that is tart, yet sweet!
Although it is optional, I highly recommend the super simple lemon glaze that adds the perfect touch to these brownies!
If you love lemon, try adding lemon zest and lemon juice to our Sugar Cookie Bars or try our Easy Lemon Bars!
You'll Love these Lemon Brownies
- Delicious: Some of the best recipes are simple and still have a ton of flavor. Even though this recipe is made with only a few ingredients it’s loaded with fresh lemon flavor.
- Cheap: With grocery store costs on the rise, this is a delicious, budget friendly meal!
- Total Comfort Food: When you need something comforting, this is the ultimate lemon bars recipe!
Lemon Brownie Recipe Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these blondies:
- granulated sugar
- fresh lemon zest, lemon juice
- unsalted butter
- eggs
- salt
- all purpose flour
- powdered sugar
How to make Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
- In a bowl, add the sugar and zest and mix them for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the butter and stir until mixed.
- Add the eggs and the lemon juice. Continue stirring until combined. Fold in the salt and flour.
- Pour the batter into a pan with parchment paper evenly. Bake at 350° for 20 - 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Place them on a cooling rack to rest until they reach room temperature.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and lemon juice and stir until the glaze is smooth and thick.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread it out with a spatula. Top with lemon zest, slice, and serve at room temperature.
How to store Lemon Blondies
Storing: Store in an airtight container and leave on the counter for up to 3 days. The moisture in the brownies does not allow for the brownies to be stored at room temperature for a long period. It's best to store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days!
Freezing: Store in an airtight container and place in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. I recommend freezing the brownies before adding the glaze because the glaze is quick to make and it will harden in the freezer.
Tips for the Best Lemon Blondies
- Whisking the eggs quickly into the batter will give the brownies a slightly crunchy top and chewier edges.
- If you prefer thinner brownies, use a 9x9 prepared pan.
- If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. If your glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Substitutions for this Recipe:
Butter: Butter is essential to this recipe. If you use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, you'll want to omit the added salt
Sugar: We don't recommend substituting white sugar unless you have to, but White sugar can be used interchangeably with brown sugar. You can add 1 teaspoon of molasses to white sugar to make brown sugar. Check out this post on Sugar Substitutes for Baking for other ideas.
All Purpose Flour: We don't recommend substituting the flour, but you can check out this article on Cake Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour or Substitutions for All-Purpose Flour
Eggs: We don't recommend substituting eggs, but you can read this article on Egg Substitutions for Baking if you need to substitute. Try it at your own risk!
Lemon Zest/Juice: We don't recommend using bottled lemon juice. Fresh juice and zest are so much better!
How to serve a Lemon Blondie
- fresh fruit on top: You can always add some fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to a lemon dessert (like our Lemon Bundt Cake). The combination of flavors really works well together.
- whipped cream on top
- with a cup of coffee
Lemon Brownies Recipe FAQ
Not overcooking and a good amount of fat help make a super moist brownie or blondie!
Blondies will differ from brownies based on ingredients. Blondies typically use brown sugar and vanilla to create their signature flavor profile (or other "lighter" ingredients), while brownies will use cocoa powder and white sugar. Both are equally delicious!
Other Lemon Desserts:
We love lemon desserts and these are some of our favorites:
- Raspberry Lemon Bundt Cake
- Lemon Cool Whip Cookies
- Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake
- Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake
- Lemon Bundt Cake
Lemon Blondies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted (½ cup)
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Line an 8x8 baking pan with 2 small pieces of parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and zest and mix them for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until mixed.
- Add the eggs and the lemon juice. Continue stirring until the eggs have been completely combined.
- Fold in the salt and flour. The batter should be thick and wet.
- Pour the batter into the parchment-lined pan, spread it out evenly, and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Place the brownies on a cooling rack to rest until they reach room temperature (about 30 minutes)
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and lemon juice and stir until the glaze is smooth and thick.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread it out with a spatula. Top with lemon zest, slice, and serve at room temperature.
elizabethtaylor
I made these today and WOW! They are so delicious. VERY lemony, but the sweetness evens it out for the perfect little dessert! I definitely recommend and will be making again!