Lemon Brownies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of springy citrus flavor packed into a soft, chewy treat, these Lemon Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about a classic brownie—the fudgy texture, the just-right thickness—infused with bright, zesty lemons and an irresistible lemon glaze. They’re sunshine on a plate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of ordinary ingredients come together to create these vibrant Lemon Brownies. Each one plays a crucial part—think bright zest, creamy chocolate, and a sweet-tart glaze that brings it all together in a symphony of flavor and color.

• White Sugar: Provides sweetness and, when rubbed with lemon zest, becomes the flavor backbone of the blondie.
• Lemon Zest: The aromatic oils in lemon zest deliver intense citrus fragrance and color.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and ensures a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Chopped White Chocolate: Adds moisture and a creamy backdrop that makes the lemon flavor pop.
• Large Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and give structure while keeping the brownies tender.
• Lemon Juice: Infuses the brownies and glaze with real citrus tang; fresh is best for zingy results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, yielding that classic chewy, fudgy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the lemon flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: The star of the tangy lemon glaze; creates a satiny finish on top.

Variations

Once you fall in love with these Lemon Brownies, you’ll realize how endlessly adaptable the recipe can be. Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or experiment with different flavors—customizing is half the fun!

• Add Almond Extract: Try a dash of almond extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) for a sophisticated bakery twist that pairs perfectly with lemon.
• Swap Citrus: Use orange or lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a new spin or a bright citrus medley.
• Powdered Sugar Finish: If you’d like a lighter touch, skip the glaze and simply dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Change the Pan: Make thinner, chewier brownies by using a 9×9″ pan—just be sure to scale ingredients appropriately for the best texture.

How to Make Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start your Lemon Brownies journey by preheating your oven to 350ºF (or 325ºF if you’re working with a convection or super-hot oven). Line an 8×8” pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it—this ensures easy removal and perfect edges!

Step 2: Craft the Lemon Sugar

In a bowl, combine the sugar with lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub them together until the sugar smells fabulously fragrant and looks slightly damp—the sugar crystals will extract those magical lemon oils all throughout your brownies.

Step 3: Melt Butter & White Chocolate

Add chopped white chocolate and butter to a large heatproof bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until everything melts to silky-smooth perfection. Whisk until you see no lumps—it’ll smell incredible!

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Sugar, Eggs, and Lemon Juice

To the melted chocolate-butter mixture, whisk in the lemon sugar until combined. Next, add the eggs, whisking until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for another pop of citrus.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Finish Batter

Add flour and salt to the bowl and whisk until you have a thick, smooth, lump-free batter. Don’t overmix—a few gentle turns are all you need. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake, Cool, and Glaze

Bake for around 35 minutes, or until the top is set (a toothpick should come out clean, with no wet crumbs). Allow your Lemon Brownies to cool for about 20 minutes before glazing. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice, drizzle over the cooled brownies, and use a spatula to spread. Top with lemon zest and let the glaze set before slicing into gorgeous squares!

How to Serve Lemon Brownies

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, shower your Lemon Brownies with a bit of extra lemon zest just before serving. You can also add thin lemon slices, candied citrus peels, or even a light sprinkle of edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy—each adds color and a pop of flavor that wows!

Side Dishes

Lemon Brownies are wonderful with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a handful of fresh berries. They’re also dazzling alongside afternoon tea or your favorite coffee—making any simple moment a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into tiny two-bite squares for party platters, or stack them between parchment sheets for edible gifts. For a brunch spread, try slicing into triangles and arranging in a star pattern—just watch how quickly they disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Lemon Brownies as fresh as the day they’re made, store them in an airtight container. They’re perfectly fine at room temperature overnight, but if you’re planning to enjoy them over several days, pop them into the fridge—just let them return to room temperature before serving for optimal fudginess.

Freezing

Lemon Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—glaze may lose a bit of shine, but the flavor stays as bright as ever.

Reheating

While Lemon Brownies are typically best at room temp, you can zap one in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you crave a just-baked edge and slightly melty glaze. Let it cool for a minute so the lemon glaze settles back into the brownie before devouring!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s genuinely hard not to smile after a bite of these Lemon Brownies—they’re sunshine in dessert form. If citrus sweets make your heart skip a beat, treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch soon. I can’t wait for you to experience their chewy, tangy joy!

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