What ingredients do I need to make lemon brownies from scratch?

To make lemon brownies, you’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice and zest, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and powdered sugar for the glaze. Using fresh lemons is important to get the bright citrus flavor, and melted butter helps achieve the fudgy texture. Optional lemon extract can be added to boost lemon taste in the glaze.

How can I tell when my lemon brownies are fully baked?

Bake lemon brownies at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will be set, and the brownies may look slightly underbaked but will finish setting as they cool, preserving a fudgy texture.

Can I make lemon brownies without gluten or dairy?

Yes, lemon brownies can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour or almond flour. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter alternatives. Adjust baking time slightly, as different flours and fats can affect moisture and texture.

What’s the best way to store lemon brownies so they stay fresh?

Store lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

How do I get clean, neat slices when cutting lemon brownies?

Allow lemon brownies to cool completely and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts to prevent sticking and achieve clean edges. This technique helps maintain the fudgy texture while producing neat, attractive pieces.

Lemon Brownies Recipe: Easy, Fudgy, Sweet and Tangy Treat

Name: Lemon Brownies: Easy, Fudgy Recipe for a Sweet and Tangy Dessert Treat
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (170 g) butter, room temperature or warm melted; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon zest; ½ tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips (optional, can be melted); 3 tablespoons (42 g) fresh lemon juice; 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar; 1-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Description

🍋 Enjoy a sweet and tangy twist on traditional brownies with these Lemon Brownies that are fudgy, rich, and refreshing!
🎂 Perfect for lemon lovers, this dessert combines a moist brownie base with a creamy lemon topping for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup (170 g) butter, room temperature or warm melted
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon zest
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips (optional, can be melted)
3 tablespoons (42 g) fresh lemon juice
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping or Glaze:
4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
1–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Cream the butter with a hand mixer in a large bowl until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the sugar with lemon zest, then add to the butter and cream together.

4. Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. If using, melt white chocolate chips and blend into the butter mixture. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.

6. Whisk salt into the flour, then gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients until just combined.

7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

8. Bake for 35-38 minutes. Check at 25 minutes and tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.

9. Cool brownies completely in the pan.

10. For the topping, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until creamy and spreadable.

11. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

🕒 Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
📜 Line the pan with enough parchment to lift the brownies out easily.
🔪 Chill the brownies after glazing and use a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooling: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 456
Sugar: 44 g
Sodium: 202 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 63 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: lemon brownies,easy,fudgy,dessert treat