If you are craving a dessert that zings with freshness yet comforts with a chewy, luscious texture, this Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe is a revelation. It blends the tangy brightness of lemon with the satisfying chewiness of a classic brownie, creating a treat that feels both uplifting and indulgent. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon snack or a delightful finish to dinner, these lemon brownies will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes, shining in simplicity and taste with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep this recipe straightforward with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building the character of the lemon brownies. From the texture-enhancing flour to the fresh zing of lemon zest and juice, every component adds an essential layer of flavor and chewiness.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups / 180g): Provides the perfect structure for a chewy brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups / 300g): Sweetens the batter while promoting a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift, ensuring the brownies aren’t too dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup / 170g), melted and cooled: Adds richness and moistness for that chewy texture.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together while contributing to the brownies’ soft bite.
- Fresh lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Injects natural brightness and a burst of citrus aroma.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup, about 2 lemons): Delivers tangy acidity that brightens every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Compliments the lemon with warm, subtle sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup / 120g): Used to make the dreamy lemon glaze topping.
- Additional fresh lemon juice (2–3 tablespoons): Mixes with powdered sugar to create the perfect tangy glaze.
- Optional lemon zest (1 teaspoon): For extra zing atop the glaze if you want a bold lemon finish.
How to Make Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or just grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures your brownies will come out clean and hold their shape perfectly once baked.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination sets the stage for that classic chewy texture with just a little lift and a well-balanced sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk your melted and cooled butter with the eggs until smooth. Then add in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This mixture packs the bright, fresh flavor that defines these lemon brownies, so make sure to zest and juice those lemons well!
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher brownies. The batter will be thick and slightly glossy — that’s exactly what you want!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 6: Cool Before Glazing
Patience is key here — let your brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly and makes glazing a smooth, mess-free process.
Step 7: Whisk Up the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar to thicken or more juice to thin it out. This glaze is what gives the brownies that glossy, tangy finish.
Step 8: Glaze and Slice
Spread the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. If you love an extra punch of citrus, sprinkle on a bit of optional lemon zest right now. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into 9, 9 to 12, or as many squares as you like.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or elevate the presentation with garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar. A few thin lemon slices placed artfully on top brighten the look and hint at the tangy delight inside.
Side Dishes
These lemon brownies shine on their own but can also be paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a richer experience. For a more refreshing bite, serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries that complement the citrus notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into fun shapes using small cookie cutters for parties or gatherings. Another idea is to serve them layered with yogurt and fruit in transparent cups for a lemon cheesecake-inspired treat. The vibrant color and chewy texture make them a versatile star for any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and chewy without losing their fresh lemon flavor. If it’s warm in your kitchen, storing them in the fridge is fine, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed lemon brownies easily. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and bright.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat your brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings out the gooey chewiness and releases those bright lemon aromas, making them even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is definitely best to capture that zesty brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too. Just be mindful that fresh juice brings a more vibrant, natural flavor to the Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If parchment isn’t on hand, greasing your baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray works well. Just make sure to cover all sides to prevent sticking, especially since the batter has a sticky, moist texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and your lemon brownies will turn out just as chewy and flavorful. Just be sure your baking powder used is gluten-free as well.
How can I get a more intense lemon flavor?
Using both the zest and juice of fresh lemons is key, but for extra lemon punch, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients. Also, don’t skip the optional lemon zest sprinkle on the glaze; it enhances the citrus aroma beautifully.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies?
After glazing and letting them set, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares. Running the knife under hot water and drying it between slices helps create smooth edges without cracking the glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe is a joyous take on classic brownies that adds a refreshing twist of lemon to every bite. Its simplicity combined with vibrant flavor makes it the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try these and experience how the tangy lemon and chewy texture come together in such pure harmony. Trust me, these lemon brownies will brighten your day and your dessert game!
Print
Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe – Bright, Chewy, and Full of Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Lemon Brownies recipe combines the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons with a chewy, buttery brownie base. These lemon-infused treats are baked to perfection and topped with a smooth lemon glaze, offering a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. Perfect for a dessert or a sweet snack, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their vibrant citrus taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted and cooled unsalted butter, eggs, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the brownies tough.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps the glaze adhere properly and prevents it from melting.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar. Optionally, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
- Glaze and Set: Spread the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the lemon brownies into 9 to 12 squares depending on desired size and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies chewy and tender.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- The lemon glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or tartness by varying powdered sugar and lemon juice ratios.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice will not provide the same brightness.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
