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

To make lemon brownies, you will need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice and zest, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered sugar for the glaze. Using fresh lemon juice is important for the best bright flavor. Some recipes also include lemon extract for an extra lemony punch. These ingredients combine to create a dense, fudgy texture with a refreshing citrus twist.

How can I tell when lemon brownies are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. They are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so it's best to remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick test is passed, then allow them to cool. The brownies will continue to set while cooling, helping maintain their fudgy texture.

Can lemon brownies be made gluten-free, and how does that affect baking?

Yes, lemon brownies can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend or almond flour. Because gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly and check the texture. The brownies might be a bit more delicate but will still have a lovely lemon flavor and fudgy bite.

What is the best way to store lemon brownies to keep them fresh?

Store lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

How do I make a lemon glaze for brownies, and can I customize it?

To make a lemon glaze, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and a splash of vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a bit more lemon juice or lemon extract. Pour the glaze over completely cooled brownies and let it set before slicing. This glaze adds a sweet-tart finish that complements the brownies’ dense texture.

Lemon Brownies Recipe with Fudgy Texture and Zesty Flavor

Name: Lemon Brownies Recipe: Easy, Fudgy Dessert Bars with Bright Citrus Flavor
Prep time: PT-486263H7M36S
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon zest; ½ tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional); 3 large eggs; 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips (optional); 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice; 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons (14 g) cornstarch (optional); ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder (optional); 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese; 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar; 1 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ to 1 cup (60-125 g) powdered sugar; 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Description

🍋 Indulge in these Lemon Brownies, combining rich, fudgy texture with a refreshing citrus zing!
🎂 Our easy-to-make dessert bars are perfect for a burst of bright flavor at any gathering or as a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon zest
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
3 large eggs
1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (14 g) cornstarch (optional)
¼ to ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder (optional)

For the Topping:

Option 1 – Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese
1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
1 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Option 2 – Lemon Glaze:
½ to 1 cup (60–125 g) powdered sugar
1 to 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.

2. Cream the butter with granulated sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl until smooth. Add lemon extract if using.

3. Mix in vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, until the mixture is glossy and lightened.

4. Melt white chocolate chips if using, then stir into the wet mixture with lemon juice.

5. In another bowl, sift flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder (if using); fold into the wet mixture gently.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap to remove air bubbles.

7. Bake for 25–38 minutes; check with a toothpick for moist crumbs.

8. Cool completely in the pan on a rack—takes 1-2 hours.

9. Prepare topping: For cream cheese frosting, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. For lemon glaze, whisk sugar with lemon juice and vanilla to desired thickness.

10. Spread topping over cooled brownies and chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

📜 Use parchment paper with an overhang for easier removal of brownies.
🕒 Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending.
🍋 Rub lemon zest into sugar to enhance flavor before adding to batter.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooling and chilling: 1-2 hours
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 235–456
Sugar: 24–44 g
Sodium: 85–202 mg
Fat: 11–21 g
Saturated Fat: 6–13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34–63 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2–6 g
Cholesterol: 47–90 mg

Keywords: lemon brownies,dessert bars,citrus,fudgy