Lemon Brownies Recipe. Okay, let me set the stage y’all: ever craved something not quite a cookie, not exactly cake, and absolutely bursting with real, cheeky lemon flavor? That’s me all the time. I used to think lemon desserts had to be fussy but the Lemon Brownies Recipe proves me wrong every time. Can I admit, I’ve botched brownies in the past—forgotten the eggs or something dumb—but this is actually the opposite of hard. Oh, and if you’re looking for more citrusy bakes, check out these simple chocolate chip cookies or even that crazy-good vanilla pound cake for a tasty twist.
Lemon Brownie Recipe
Alright, you want the rundown? You’re not getting some weird half-cake, half-muffin situation here. These lemon brownies are soft with just a smidge of chew (not mushy, thank goodness) and a glossy lemon glaze that’s—well, zingy in all the best ways. My grandma would call this a “keeper recipe” and honestly, I won’t argue. They’re way easier than you’d think. Just a few bowls, some whisking, and pour everything in the pan. No special tricks, no drama.
One genius thing: they kind of taste like a five-star restaurant dessert if you serve ’em chilled. But here’s my real opinion—they’re even better the next day when the lemon flavor really pops. I once brought them to a potluck and not a crumb was left. If you’re thinking brownies should always be chocolate… trust me, just make these once.
“I brought these lemon brownies to my neighbor’s BBQ and had to text out the recipe by the end of the night. Not a hint of leftovers. Everyone begged for more!” – Jocelyn R.

Ingredient Notes
It’s not rocket science, but good ingredients make a difference here.
You’ll need fresh lemons—the bottled juice isn’t gonna cut it, sorry. Real zest gives that punchy, bright flavor (yeah, it’s worth the elbow grease). Use unsalted butter for more control over taste. I stick with all-purpose flour, but I’ve heard folks use gluten-free blends, too—though I can’t vouch for the texture. Also, large eggs, plus granulated sugar, not brown sugar. For the glaze, just powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a bit more zest.
If you’re worried the lemons are too tart, don’t be. The sugar smooths it all out, and the brownies stay sweet-tangy, not pucker-your-face sour. Oh, and don’t overdo the zest—two lemons are plenty, trust me.

How to Make Lemon Brownies
Straight talk: you don’t need any baking wizardry.
First up, preheat that oven (I always forget this until the batter’s ready, whoops). Melt your butter and let it cool just a bit. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and juice together. Then add the cooled butter. Toss in your flour and pinch of salt—don’t overmix, just until combined. That’s it. Scrape into a greased pan and bake until the middle barely jiggles when tapped.
As soon as they cool a little, whip up your glaze by stirring powdered sugar with lemon juice. Drizzle it all over (I go a little wild with it—more is more). Wait impatiently for it to set, then slice and devour. I dare you not to sneak a piece before anyone sees.
Tips for the Best Lemon Brownies
After too many “learning moments” (aka near-disasters), here are my true best tips:
- Use real lemons for zest and juice, do not substitute with bottled.
- Don’t overbake—the edges should pull away and the center looks set, but still tender.
- Let them cool completely (if you can resist) before glazing to avoid a runny mess.
- Chill overnight for extra lemon zing—it really makes a difference for flavor.
Storage
Here’s the scoop: lemon brownies will stay moist, but don’t leave them on the counter too long. Store in an airtight container, and they’re fine for up to four days. I personally think refrigeration makes them even tastier. Pop ’em in the fridge for a couple hours (or overnight) and wow—it’s like a fancy patisserie, but your kitchen.
Wanna keep ’em longer? Wrap tight and freeze for a month or so. Thaw at room temp, add a fresh glaze if you want that extra sparkle, and serve. Handy for surprise guests or that 10 pm sugar craving that hits outta nowhere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deliciously Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe
Can I double the Lemon Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely—just use a 9×13 pan and keep an eye on baking time.
Can I use limes or oranges instead of lemons?
Go for it, but the flavor will change. Limes are tarter, oranges sweeter.
Will a hand mixer mess up the texture?
Don’t sweat it. Mixing by hand is totally fine; hand mixer’s cool too, just don’t go wild.
Is parchment paper necessary?
No, but it makes it a whole lot easier to lift them out and cut clean edges.
Help, my glaze is super runny!
Add more powdered sugar bit by bit until it thickens. Happens to everyone, no shame.
You’ve Got to Try These Lemon Brownies
To wrap up, this Lemon Brownies Recipe is the baking answer for those days you want major flavor without major effort. Seriously, you need hardly anything fancy and no culinary degree. For even more sweet ideas, check out the crowd-favorite Best Homemade Brownies Recipe – Love and Lemons, or eyeball another take with this Lemon Brownies Recipe or Lemon Brownies Recipe – I Heart Naptime. Go on, try ’em out—the hardest part’s waiting for the glaze to set before digging in. Let me know how yours turn out (and if you snuck one straight from the fridge too).

Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan (8×8 inches recommended).
- Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Stir in the cooled butter until combined.
- Add flour and salt; mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center jiggles slightly when tapped.
- Let the brownies cool for a few minutes, then prepare the glaze.
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm brownies and allow it to set.