If you love the rich decadence of brownies but crave something fresh and citrusy, these lemon brownies are exactly what you need. Dense and fudgy, yet bursting with vibrant lemon flavor, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and brightness. Finished with a tangy lemon glaze that adds a beautiful glossy finish and a bit of sweetness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or anytime you want a fresh twist on a classic treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dense, fudgy texture that brownie lovers crave
Bright lemon flavor that feels refreshing and light
Easy to make with pantry staples and fresh lemons
Perfectly balanced sweetness with a tangy glaze on top
Great for parties, picnics, or everyday dessert
Makes a large batch — ideal for sharing!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below)

For the Brownies:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest.
Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies and let it set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity boost
Substitute half the butter for cream cheese for extra richness
Use lime zest and juice instead of lemon for a citrus twist
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes after glazing for texture
Make mini lemon brownies in a muffin tin for easy portion control

Storage and Heating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy chilled

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend 1:1.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater to get fresh zest without the bitter white pith.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and ensure powdered sugar is dairy-free.

How thick should I pour the glaze?

The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the brownies. Adjust lemon juice to get the right consistency.

Why are my brownies cakey and not fudgy?

Avoid overmixing the batter and be sure to not overbake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely, the brownies are delicious without it, but the glaze adds a lovely tangy sweetness.

Conclusion

These lemon brownies are the perfect blend of classic indulgence and fresh citrus zest. Whether you’re a brownie traditionalist or looking for a new twist on dessert, this recipe delivers moist, fudgy bars with a bright punch of lemon and a luscious glaze that sets them apart. Whip up a batch for your next gathering or treat yourself to a sunny slice any day of the week.