Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 3-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional) (for a brighter yellow); 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup powdered sugar; yellow sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the luscious combination of tangy lemon and creamy, rich cheesecake—especially when wrapped up as a fudgy brownie! Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect treat for those who crave a balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. Imagine biting into a sumptuously soft and chewy bar with a silky swirl of cream cheese, all crowned by a zippy, lemon-kissed glaze. That’s what makes these brownies a must-bake in any season.

Fun fact: Lemon desserts have been beloved for centuries, but turning them into brownies with a cream cheese swirl is a delightful modern innovation. This dreamy dessert wins big points for being irresistibly easy and a real showstopper at parties. Just like my ever-popular Classic Fudgy Brownies, these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are simple to whip up, making them an instant family favorite. Ready to add a burst of sunshine to your dessert table? Let’s dive in and bake together!

What is Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies?

Ever wondered what happens when a brownie takes a vacation in lemon country and makes friends with a cheesecake? Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are pure culinary fun—soft, chewy bars that deliver all the zing of a lemon square and the decadence of cheesecake in each bite. The name sounds like a contradiction, but trust me: brownies don’t have to be just chocolate! Why call them brownies? Because, as the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and these golden bars are pure heart-stealers. Give them a try and you’ll see, no one can stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This

The first thing you’ll notice about Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies is their dreamy texture: the rich cream cheese layer melts beautifully into the citrusy brownie base, creating a luxurious bite every time. Making these at home is budget-friendly too—no need for specialty bakery runs or expensive ingredients. You’ll love how this recipe transforms fridge staples into an eye-catching treat with bold flavors. The lemon icing and optional sprinkles send every batch over the top with a bakery-worthy finish. If you enjoy my Lemon Ricotta Cake, you’ll adore this recipe for its bold flavors and creamy finish. Ready to brighten up your dessert game? Try these today!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are the definition of easy and satisfying baking. With only about 15 minutes of prep and a short baking time, you can whip these up on a whim—no fancy skills required! The combination of tangy lemon, luscious cream cheese, and a simple powdered sugar glaze comes together in a treat that tastes like pure sunshine. The best part? You don’t even need your mixer for most of the recipe. Sink your teeth into a golden square less than an hour after you start!

Swirled Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies topped with lemon glaze and sprinkles

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

3/4 cup cream cheese, softened

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

3-4 drops yellow food coloring (optional, for a brighter yellow)

For the icing:

2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup powdered sugar

Yellow sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and the food coloring, if using.
Fold in the flour gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, reserving about 1/3 cup of batter for the top.
In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and a tablespoon of sugar until smooth.
Dollop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture onto the batter, gently swirling with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
Spoon the reserved batter on top and gently smooth out if needed.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Allow the brownies to cool completely.
For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth and drizzly.
Pour the icing over cooled brownies and finish with yellow sprinkles, if using. Let set, slice into squares, and enjoy!

What to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies With

Pair these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies with a fresh berry salad for a burst of color and nutrition. Craving a cozier vibe? Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey or chamomile both complement the lemon beautifully. For a party-ready dessert platter, offer them with other bite-sized sweets like shortbread cookies or chocolate-dipped fruits. If you want something extra refreshing, try them with a tall glass of iced lemonade for the ultimate sweet-and-tart combination.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Make sure cream cheese is truly softened for ultra-smooth swirls.
Don’t skip lining your pan; it makes removing the brownies so much easier.
If you want a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the batter.
For an even creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
Do not overbake—these brownies should be just set in the center for maximum fudginess.
Want to try a gluten-free version? Substitute all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
To avoid cracks in the glaze, pour it on only after brownies are completely cool.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving. You can freeze individual squares by wrapping each in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep well frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or microwave briefly on low power if you’re impatient!

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies in advance?

Absolutely! Bake and cool them ahead, then add the icing and sprinkles just before serving for that fresh-baked look.

My brownies seem too soft in the middle. Is that normal?

A little jiggle is perfect; they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking can dry them out, so resist the urge to keep them in the oven too long.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled juice will work, fresh lemon juice gives these brownies their best, brightest flavor.

How do I get perfect swirl patterns in the cream cheese?

Dollop cream cheese evenly and use a knife or skewer to slowly swirl, being careful not to over-blend the batters.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Sure! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Watch the baking time—check for doneness with a toothpick near the edge.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a sunny, tangy, and creamy celebration in every bite. With their easy mixing, quick bake time, and minimal ingredients, they’re perfect for anyone who wants to bring bakery-level treats to their home kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how foolproof and showstopping this recipe is. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself—or your loved ones—to these irresistible brownies. For more delightful desserts and simple baking inspiration, explore the rest of the blog and let your kitchen shine!