When traditional chocolate brownies start to feel heavy, switch it up with lemon brownies! Topped with a glossy, tangy lemon glaze, these brownies are brighter, fresher, and more irresistible.
So, when’s the right time to try lemon brownies?
I would say it’s perfect when you are craving something different- something that’s bright, fruity, and refreshing instead of the usual rich chocolate. Unlike chocolate or fudge brownies, lemon brownies have a gentle sweetness that lets the citrus flavor shine through. The lemon juice combined with a hint of orange zest gives this treat a bright, zesty flavor while the soft crumbs make it incredibly light!
Think the lemon flavor ends with the brownies?
Not when you can double the yumminess with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze! I love the moment the sweet lemon glaze drizzles over the brownies- it’s messy, but also fun and satisfying. The glossiness of the glaze actually makes the brownies pop on any dessert plate, and the best part? You can just feel how good they are gonna taste even before the first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth crumbs from melted butter and eggs.
- Bright and zesty thanks to lemon juice and orange zest.
- Easy to slice, share, and snack on anytime.
- Glossy and sugary drizzle makes the brownies pop!
- A refreshing change from chocolatey or fudgy versions.
Variations Of Lemon Brownies You Must Try
From fruity bursts to cookie-inspired twists, lemon brownies can go in so many directions! Here are a few ideas to get you started in the kitchen:
Lemon Coconut Brownies
Give your brownies a tropical upgrade with coconut! Add shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle some on top for a nutty crunch. For extra flavor, drizzle with a coconut glaze and enjoy a creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the lemony flavor.
Almond Flour Lemon Brownies
Skip the regular flour for almond flour to get soft, nutty and naturally gluten-free brownies. For the swap, you can go for a 1:1 ratio or use slightly less almond flour to keep them extra soft.
Mini Brownie Bites
Want a snack-sized treat? Bake the batter in a mini muffin tin- just 12-15 minutes and enjoy quick bites perfect for sharing!
Orange-Lemon Mashup
Mix a little orange juice into your brownie batter for a tangy twist. Top with a lemon-orange glaze for a glossy, eye-catching finish that’s fun to look at!
Honey Lemon Brownies
Swap some of the sugar for honey to give your brownies a natural sweetness. Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top for a crunchy bite that goes perfectly with the sweet brownies!
Lemon Oreo Brownies
If you love cookie and cream vibes, lemon Oreo brownies might be your fave. Smash some Oreos and fold them into the batter or layer them on top for extra chocolatey pockets in every bite.
Lemon Brownies Tips You’ll Actually Use!
One thing is for sure- when it comes to lemon brownies, the little touches make all the difference! Here are a few tips to get the lemon brownies soft, zesty and absolutely irresistible:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest to give your brownies a bright, natural citrus flavor.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to keep the brownies soft and tender.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the brownies while they are still slightly warm for a glossy finish.
- Cool the brownies before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store the leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or up to a week if refrigerated.
Fun Ways To Serve and Share Your Lemon Brownies
All done baking the brownies and now wondering how to serve them? Here are some easy and fun ideas to serve and share your lemon brownies– whether it’s a snack at home or a party-ready treat!
Fun Shapes
I love serving lemon brownies beyond the classic square cuts. With a cookie cutter, you can turn them into fun shapes like hearts, stars, and even flowers- perfect for parties and themed events.
Party Platter
Brighten up any party with a lemon brownie platter! Include classic lemon, lemon Oreo, honey lemon, and lemon coconut and arrange them in squares, bars, and mini bites. Top with berries, nuts, or glaze for a colorful spread.
Layered Dessert
Cut the brownies into small cubes and layer them in a glass. Top with whipped cream, lemon curd, or yogurt for a fancy, cafe-style treat right at home.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Slice the brownies into squares and sandwich a scoop of vanilla, chocolate or better yet- lemon ice cream between two pieces. Enjoy a cool, zesty treat on hot summer days!
Brownie Pops
Insert a lollipop stick into the brownie, then dip it into the lemon glaze or chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles for a fun, kid-friendly treat.
Lemon Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2 large Eggs
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Vanilla Essence
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup Powder Sugar
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
Preheat The Oven and Prepare The Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
- Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Using a whisk, whisk the mixture until combined.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time and mix until combined.
- Add vanilla essence and lemon juice to the mix. Whisk until the mixture becomes lighter in color.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Add all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture.
- Use a spatula to fold the ingredients until just combined with no streaks remaining. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake and Cool The Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake the lemon brownies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the brownies to a wire rack or a board to cool.
Prepare Lemon Glaze
- While the brownies cool, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- The glaze should be thick, but pourable. Adjust with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
Glaze, Serve, and Enjoy!
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, pour the prepared lemon glaze evenly over the top.
- Spread evenly and let it set for 15-20 minutes.
- Slice into squares or bars and enjoy deliciously soft and refreshing lemon brownies with a sweet and tangy glaze!
I make these easy lemon brownies a lot whenever I need a little break from my chocolate obsession. They are light, soft, and have a totally different vibe. The tangy lemon flavor with that glossy glaze on top really makes it way more special than your average brownies.
Honestly, half the reason I keep baking these delicious lemon brownies is that my kids absolutely love them to bits! I secretly like the fact that it’s lighter than the usual chocolate overload. Of course, I sneak in a couple before they even make it to the plate! They are the perfect treat for friends, family, and your loved ones- even those who usually avoid sugary desserts.
Recipe FAQs
How Do I Make Lemon Brownies Gluten-Free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make soft and naturally nutty brownies.Â
Can I Freeze Lemon Brownies?
Yes, you can wrap individual lemon brownies in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.Â
Why Is My Glaze Too Runny?
For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar to the lemon juice until it thickens to a pourable consistency.Â
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