Name: Lemon Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ((156g)); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; zest of 2 lemons ((no white pith)); 1 cup granulated sugar divided ((222g)); 9 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature (127g or 4½ oz)); 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ((2oz)); 1 cup powdered sugar ((120g)); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus more as needed for desired consistency); finely grated zest of ½ lemon

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Tangy Lemon Brownies are the perfect easy treat to make when you have a few extra orbs of sunshine on hand!

Lemon Brownies (also known as Lemon Blondies) taste like a cross between a moist lemon cake and a sweet, tart and tangy lemon bar. They’re chewy but tender with a texture similar to chocolate fudgy brownies.

Our Lemon Brownie recipe is topped off with an easy, zippy lemon glaze that takes the lemon flavor to a whole other level.

overhead view of a platter filled with lemon blondies

Easy Homemade Lemon Brownies (no cake mix!)

This dessert takes minutes to put together with common pantry ingredients. And, these little lemony squares will completely satisfy your lemon craving without breaking the bank. Double the recipe and bake in a 13×9-inch pan and you’ll have enough to share at your next pot luck!

overhead view of a mini food processor filled with granulated sugar and lemon zest

A small food processor with a lemon zest and sugar mixture

Ingredients Overview

For the brownies:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
fresh lemon zest
fresh lemon juice
granulated sugar
unsalted butter at room temperature
large eggs plus one egg yolk
vanilla extract

For the lemon glaze:

powdered sugar
lemon juice and lemon zest

a square baking pan with lemon brownie batter

lemon brownie batter spread in a square pan

How to make homemade Lemon Brownies

First, preheat the oven and lightly spray an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
In a small food processor (affiliate link) combine the lemon zest and a few tablespoons of the sugar. Process until only small flecks of lemon zest remain. (Don’t skip this step!) If you don’t have a small food processor we included instructions to do this by hand.
Combine the butter, lemon sugar and all remaining granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer beat until light and fluffy.
Next, add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time until blended. Pour in the vanilla and lemon juice. Blend on low just until incorporated.
Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula.
Finally, spread the batter in the prepared baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter, about 30 minutes.

To make the lemon glaze:

Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest. Drizzle the glaze over the lemon brownies and spread to cover. Slice and serve!

lemon brownies being drizzled with lemon icing

a side view of lemon brownies topped with a lemon icing

Lemon Brownies are super easy to make and eat!

Handheld desserts are always a favorite at gatherings. After just a few bites the goodie disappears and your hand is free to grab another. At least that’s the way my mind works 😜

Blondies and brownies are a personal favorite sweet treat. Small and compact and loaded with flavor, they’re just the right size when you crave a little something delicious.

Be sure to check out our Coconut Rum Blondies, Peanut Butter Blondies and our favorite Browned Butter & Bourbon Blondies too! All great recipes that are easy to make.

During strawberry season try these Strawberry White Chocolate Blondies too.

How to store Lemon Brownies

Store completely cooled Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage you can keep the brownies in the fridge then set out at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Freezing Lemon Brownies

For best results we recommend that you freeze the brownies before drizzling with the lemon glaze. However, if you only have a few leftover already glazed, no worries. They freeze beautifully!

closeup of a lemon brownie being cut with a fork

Options and Variations

These bright Lemon Brownies are perfect for dessert or with afternoon tea, any time of the year. During the summer months try adding a few fresh blueberries or chopped frozen raspberries to the batter before baking. We love the bright pop of color and flavor fresh berries bring to these squares.

Finally, try substituting lemon with fresh squeezed orange juice and orange zest for a fantastic sun kissed summer treat.

Thanks for PINNING!

Lemon Brownies

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Yield:

Course: Dessert

Author: Tricia

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5 from 10 votes

Lemon Brownies are light, bright, fresh and oozing with a citrusy lemon bite