Name: Lemony Lemon Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tablespoons lemon zest (finely grated (from about 2 lemons)); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 8 teaspoons lemon zest (finely grated (for glaze)); 1 cup icing sugar (sifted (powdered sugar))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, bright, and bursting with citrus flavor, Lemony Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic treat that combine brownie-like richness with a sunny lemon lift. These bars are surprisingly simple to make and deliver a moist, tender crumb topped with a glossy lemon glaze that makes every bite feel celebratory. Fun fact: lemon desserts were often served on ships to help prevent scurvy, so you could say lemons have always been good for morale as well as flavor.

This recipe stands out because it’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and uses pantry staples — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. If you love tangy desserts, you’ll find these just as comforting as our richer chocolate brownies but much brighter in profile; you might also enjoy exploring related citrus recipes like the zesty twists in our collection. For another lemony favorite, check out this detailed version of the same recipe on the blog: Lemony Lemon Brownies on RecipesFiber. Excited to bake? Let’s get those lemons out and make something lovely.

What is Lemony Lemon Brownies?

Are these brownies, cake, or a lemon bar in disguise? The name Lemony Lemon Brownies gives you a hint: they combine the dense, comforting texture of a brownie with a bright, citrus-forward lemon character. Why the double lemon in the name? Because there’s lemon in both the batter and the glaze — double the zing, double the charm. Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and a sticky, zesty lemon square like this might just prove it. Picture surprising a friend with these at teatime — they’re the sort of treat that sparks smiles and curiosity. Give them a try and see which category you’d file them under.

Why You’ll Love This

Bright, balanced flavor: The main highlight is the lively lemon flavor layered into a soft, buttery base and finished with a glossy glaze that’s tart but not overpowering. Every bite offers a pleasant sweet-tart contrast.
Budget-friendly and homey: Making these at home saves money compared to specialty bakery treats. With just a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can produce a dessert that feels elevated without the cost.
Customizable toppings: The glaze and extra lemon zest on top add texture and visual appeal — sprinkle a little extra zest for perfume or serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a gentler finish.

If you enjoy this light citrus dessert, it pairs well with other blog favorites — try it as an alternative to our richer lemon pie for a simpler, quicker citrus fix. Ready to bake? These brownies are waiting.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, fast, and satisfying. The preparation is straightforward: mix the dry ingredients with softened butter, whisk eggs with lemon zest and juice, combine, bake until just set, and top with a simple lemon glaze. The texture is tender and slightly dense with a moist crumb and a tangy glaze that sets into a glossy finish. Total time: about 10 minutes prep and 23–25 minutes bake time, plus cooling.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons), finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
4 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze), fresh
8 teaspoons lemon zest (for glaze), finely grated
1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and set aside. Make sure to grease the corners well so slices release easily.
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and sea salt until just combined and slightly crumbly. Avoid overbeating — you want a tender crumb.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth and slightly frothy. This aeration helps a tender texture.
Add the egg-lemon mixture to the flour mixture and beat on low for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so the surface is even.
Bake for 23–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — not wet batter.
Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully helps the glaze set without sliding off.
For the glaze, in a small bowl whisk together 1 cup sifted icing sugar, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, and 8 teaspoons lemon zest until smooth and lump-free. Adjust thickness by adding a little more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or a touch more lemon juice for a thinner pour.
Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies with an offset spatula. Let the glaze set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Slice into 9 or 12 squares and serve. Enjoy these bright, tender lemon bars with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Lemony Lemon Brownies

What to Serve With

Fresh raspberries or macerated berries for a bright contrast
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance tartness
A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette for a light dessert course after a rich meal
Hot herbal tea, black tea, or a chilled glass of Prosecco for special occasions
For brunch, pair with lemony yogurt or soft ricotta toast for a cohesive citrus-themed spread

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room temperature eggs and softened butter to ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
Zest lemons before juicing them to make zesting easier and to avoid white pith.
Don’t overbake — remove when center is just set to keep brownies moist. They will continue to set as they cool.
For a smoother glaze, sift your icing sugar to remove lumps and whisk gradually while adding lemon juice.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for part of the granulated sugar only if you adjust flour slightly; otherwise stick to the recipe for best texture.
If you prefer less tartness, reduce lemon juice in the glaze by 1 tablespoon and add a teaspoon of vanilla to mellow the flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooled and glazed brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze may firm up in the fridge; let come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Best reheating: If you like them a little warm, microwave a single square for 8–12 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid overheating or the glaze may soften too much.
Shelf life at room temperature: If kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for up to 24 hours.

FAQs

What is the best lemon to use for zest and juice?
Choose fresh, firm lemons with bright yellow skin. Meyer lemons are sweeter and more floral; regular Eureka or Lisbon lemons provide classic tartness. Either works — Meyer will be milder.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Baking time may vary slightly; check for doneness early.

Can I skip the glaze?
You can. The brownies are tasty on their own, but the glaze adds essential brightness and a glossy finish. For a lighter touch, dust with powdered sugar instead.

How do I prevent the glaze from cracking when sliced?
Let the glaze set fully at room temperature before cutting. Chilling briefly helps it firm, but avoid slicing when the glaze is still tacky.

Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time to about 30–35 minutes, but check periodically for doneness.

Conclusion

These Lemony Lemon Brownies prove that a simple recipe can be both cheerful and impressive — easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for serving to family or guests. They’re forgiving for beginners and flexible enough for seasoned bakers to tweak. If you want to compare notes with another tried-and-true version or explore variations, you can view a similar classic recipe here: Lemony Lemon Brownies Recipe – Food.com. Try baking a batch today and share the bright results with someone who deserves a sunny treat.