These lemon brownies are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a refreshing citrus flavor that’s sure to brighten your day. Soft and chewy, they make a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these brownies are a must-try.
Why We Love This Lemon Brownies Recipe
These lemon brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a perfect balance of tart lemon flavor and sweet richness. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Zesty Freshness: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon cuts through the sweetness of the brownies, giving each bite a refreshing kick.
- Chewy & Soft: With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, these brownies are chewy and soft, making them the perfect treat for anyone who loves a dessert that’s both comforting and light.
- Easy to Make: Unlike many other desserts, these lemon brownies are simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s for a casual family gathering or a more formal celebration, these brownies work perfectly as an afternoon snack, a dessert for a dinner party, or a fun addition to your holiday spread.
Each bite is a little burst of sunshine, making these lemon brownies the ultimate choice for anyone looking to bring a little zest into their dessert game.
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Here’s everything you need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a tangy kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lemon glaze (optional, but highly recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions for lemon brownies recipe
Making these lemon brownies is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delicious, tangy treats:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the brownies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of melted butter together until smooth. Add in 2 large eggs and the zest from 2 lemons. Mix until well combined.
Add the lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of those same 2 lemons into the wet mixture. This will give the brownies that unmistakable zesty flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when the top is slightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an extra tart punch, dust with a little powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies
To make sure your lemon brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Use Fresh Lemons: For the best tart flavor, always opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. The zest, in particular, adds a burst of citrus that will elevate the brownies.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, stir until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy brownies instead of the light, tender texture you’re aiming for.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your brownies around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!
Cool Completely: Let your lemon brownies cool fully in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more precise slices.
For Extra Moisture: If you prefer a slightly more moist texture, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This will make them even richer and more flavorful.
Variations on Lemon Brownies
While these lemon brownies are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or make them even more special. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Lemon Glaze: Add an extra layer of citrusy sweetness by drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cooled brownies. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice to create a smooth glaze and pour it over the brownies for a shiny, tangy finish.
White Chocolate Chips: For a sweet contrast to the tart lemon, try folding in some white chocolate chips. The smooth, creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the bright lemon flavor.
Blueberry Lemon Brownies: Add fresh blueberries to the batter for a burst of fruity goodness. The combination of lemon and blueberry is a classic that never goes out of style.
Lemon-Lavender Brownies: If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try adding a touch of dried lavender to the batter. The floral notes complement the zesty lemon, creating a unique and elegant flavor.
Vegan Lemon Brownies: For a plant-based twist, swap the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The result is a delicious vegan version that’s just as flavorful and moist.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few serving ideas to make them even more delightful:
With a Cup of Tea: A classic pairing! The tart lemon flavor of the brownies is the perfect complement to a hot cup of tea, whether it’s a light green tea, herbal tea, or even a refreshing iced tea.
Topped with Whipped Cream: For a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the brownies, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You could even add a little lemon zest on top for extra flavor!
As a Dessert Plate: Serve your lemon brownies alongside other desserts for a beautifully balanced plate. Pair them with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a vibrant touch and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy indulgence.
With a Drizzle of Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of citrus, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top of the brownies before serving. This adds a glossy finish and a touch more sweetness to each bite.
More brownie recipes you will love!
FAQs About Lemon Brownies
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemons give the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste might not be as bright and fresh. For the most zesty results, always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest!
How can I make these lemon brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free lemon brownies, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, or add it yourself to help the texture.
Can I make lemon brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat lemon brownies?
If you prefer your lemon brownies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will refresh the texture without making it too dry.
lemon brownies recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon for a tangy kick
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lemon glaze (optional, but highly recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Follow these simple steps to create delicious, tangy lemon brownies that will be the star of your dessert table:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand with a whisk.
- Add the eggs and lemon: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The lemon zest will bring a fragrant, citrusy aroma to your brownies!
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should look slightly golden.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.