These lemon brownies are bright, fresh, tart, and sweet! They have the signature fudgy and gooey texture of brownies. The lemon adds tartness and freshness. This quick and easy recipe takes only 35 minutes in total. They are great for Easter, springtime, Mother’s Day, and summer!

Lemon brownies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These lemon brownies are incredibly flavorful!
  • This recipe takes just over 30 minutes.
  • The lemon glaze adds an extra touch.
  • These brownies are still very fudgy and decadent. You will also love these Lemon Raspberry Bars!
  • Every bite delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
  • Lemon brownies are a delightful treat for any occasion. These Ube Brownies are equally as fun and bright!
  • Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up, a delightful after-dinner dessert, or even a springtime brunch treat.
  • They are gluten free and nut free.
  • Check out these Lemon Bars for another delicious spring dessert!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutions for these lemon brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe!

Use melted unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, that is fine.

Granulated sugar adds the sweetness.

Eggs help bind these brownies together. Do not replace the eggs with flax eggs, chia eggs, or another vegan egg replacement. If you are vegan, try these Vegan Brownies.

Lemon juice and zest add flavor to the brownies and the lemon glaze.

Both gluten free flour and all-purpose flour work well. Since I am gluten free, I always use gluten free flour.

A little baking powder helps these brownies rise.

For the glaze, mix together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

Ingredients for lemon brownies.

Taste & Texture

Lemon Brownies stand out with their bright, fresh flavor that perfectly balances tart and sweet.

The secret to their irresistible texture lies in the precise balance of gluten free flour, butter, and lemon juice, resulting in a dessert that’s neither too dense nor too airy.

It is the kind of treat that melts in your mouth!

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line an 8 inch by 8 inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl or the bowl of stand mixer, add the melted butter and sugar.  Beat or mix for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.

Lemon batter in bowl.

Step 3

Then, add in the eggs, lemon juice, and zest.  Stir to combine.

Bright yellow brownie batter.

Step 4

Add in the flour and baking powder.  Stir to combine.

Gooey yellow batter.

Step 5

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.  Smooth into an even layer.

Yellow batter in square pan.

Step 6

Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only moist crumbs.

Baked lemon bars.

Step 7

Remove the pan from the oven.

Step 8

Once the brownies are cooled, make the glaze.  Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice and zest in a bowl.  Stir until creamy.

Lemon glaze in bowl.

Step 9

Finally, pour the glaze over the cooled brownies.  Slice and serve!

Yellow glazed bars.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best lemon brownies.

Fresh zest is always best! Zesting your lemon right before using it guarantees the most intense lemon flavor in your brownies.

Just like classic brownies, overmixing will alter the texture. Mix the batter until just combined.

Let the lemon brownies cool completely before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly, ensuring a clean cut and a more satisfying texture.

Allow the brownies to cool before adding the glaze on top.

If the glaze is too thick, add slightly more lemon juice.

If the glaze is too thin, add slightly more powdered sugar.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Consider these fun flavor variations for your lemon brownies.

Fold in white chocolate chips before baking.

Add a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a subtle nutty crunch that complements the lemon flavor beautifully. Check out this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake!

Top your brownies with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant and delicious pop of color and flavor.

Replace the glaze with a thick layer of buttercream frosting! Cream cheese frosting works well too.

Citrus bars.

How to Serve & Store

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your lemon brownies at room temperature.

Top with the glaze once fully cooled.

These brownies go well with ice cream too!

Cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

In a pinch, you can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. However, for the best flavor, fresh is always best.

How do I know if my brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfectly baked. If it comes out with batter, bake for a few more minutes.

My brownies turned out dry. What went wrong?

Overbaking is the issue here. Be sure to follow the baking time closely and remove the brownies from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Yellow brownies.

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: These parchment paper sheets are great for baking these lemon brownies.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I always use these mixing bowls for baking.

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

If you make this easy lemon brownie recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Dessert Recipes.

Lemon brownies.
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies

Lemon Brownies blend the moist, dense texture of classic brownies with the zesty tang of lemons for a refreshing twist! Perfect for those who love a balance of tart and sweet in a unique treat. A bright, citrus-infused dessert to brighten any day!
4.60 from 5 votes
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Ingredients

16 brownies

Brownies

  • ¾ cup butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup gluten free flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder

Glaze

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions 

  • First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl or the bowl of stand mixer, add the melted butter and sugar. Beat or mix for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
  • Then, add in the eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine.
  • Add in the flour and baking powder. Stir to combine.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth into an even layer.
  • Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only moist crumbs.
  • Remove the pan from the oven.
  • Once the brownies are cooled, make the glaze. Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice and zest in a bowl. Stir until creamy.
  • Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve!

Notes

  • This recipe can be made with regular flour if you are not gluten free.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh squeezed lemon juice.
  • Do not over bake. A toothpick inserted should come out with only moist crumbs.
  • Allow the brownies to cool before topping with glaze.
  • If the glaze is too thin, add slightly more powdered sugar.
  • If the glaze is too thick, add slightly more lemon juice.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Calories: 196kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 94mg, Potassium: 17mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 311IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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