The Best Lemon Brownies Recipe – Easy, Chewy & Irresistibly Tangy Lemon Dessert
Now, I know what you’re thinking—brownies are supposed to be chocolate. But trust me, these Lemon Fudge Brownies (or Lemon Blondies if we’re being technical) are just as rich, chewy, and satisfying. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, kind of like a Lemon Snack and dessert all in one. Plus, with just a few ingredients, they’re one of those Very Quick Desserts you can whip up whenever a lemon craving hits.
I call these my “Mom Win” dessert. They taste like a mix between Lemon Squares and Homemade Lemonies, but with way less effort. No tricky layers, no waiting forever—just mix, bake, glaze, and boom. A batch of Tangy Lemon Brownies ready to go. If you’ve been searching for an Easy Lemon Bar Recipe or a Lemonies Recipe that’s actually, you know, easy, this one’s for you.
Oh, and if you’re feeling wild, try swapping in limes for a fun twist—hello, Lime Brownies! Or add a little lemonade to the glaze for one of the best Lemonade Dessert Recipes ever. However you make them, these Quick Lemon Desserts are gonna be your new go-to when you need a sweet treat fast.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
First things first—set your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. If you’re like me and don’t have time for perfectly cut paper, just slap some in there. As long as most of the pan is covered, we’re good.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Grab a big mixing bowl. Whisk together the melted butter and sugar until it looks smooth and glossy. This part is oddly satisfying.
Next, add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir. It’s gonna smell amazing already.
Now, dump in the flour and salt. Stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or they’ll get tough, and nobody wants that. The batter will be thick, kind of like cookie dough, and that’s exactly how we want it.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth it out as best as you can. It won’t be perfect, and that’s fine.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden and a toothpick in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If you pull out the toothpick and it looks like a lemon soup situation, give it a few more minutes.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the brownies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, more powdered sugar. We’re looking for that perfect drizzle consistency.
Step 5: Cool, Glaze & Slice
Now, I know patience is not a thing in my house when baked goods are involved, but these need to cool. If you pour the glaze on too soon, it’ll just soak in and disappear.
Once they’re cool, drizzle (or spread) the glaze over the top. Then cut into squares, or if you have little kids, cut into tiny pieces so they don’t get sugar wild.
FAQs About Lemon Brownies
What’s the difference between lemon brownies and lemon bars?
Great question! Lemon Bars usually have a shortbread crust with a tangy lemon custard layer on top. Lemon Brownies (or Lemon Blondies) are more like traditional brownies—soft, chewy, and baked as one solid piece. They have a richer, fudgier texture without the separate crust.
Do these taste like actual brownies?
Not exactly! While they have the same chewy, dense texture as a fudgy chocolate brownie, the flavor is all about bright, tangy lemon. Some people call them Lemon Fudge Brownies because of how rich they are, but they don’t have chocolate in them.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
I mean… you could, but I don’t recommend it. Fresh lemon juice and zest are what give these their bold, bright flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t hit the same. If you want that perfect Lemony Lemon Brownies taste, fresh is best!
Can I make these into Lime Brownies instead?
Absolutely! Swap the lemon juice and zest for fresh lime juice and zest, and you’ll have a fun twist on this Lemon Dessert. You could even do a mix of both for a lemon-lime flavor.
How do I store lemon brownies?
Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for about 2 months—just thaw at room temp before eating.
Lemon Brownies Recipe Card
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Let brownies cool completely before adding the glaze.
- Drizzle or spread glaze over the top, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Let them cool before slicing for clean edges.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
These Easy Lemon Brownies are officially a staple in my house, right up there with Lemon Bars and Homemade Lemonies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that sweet-tangy citrus flavor that just makes you happy. Plus, they’re one of those Very Quick Desserts that don’t require a mixer or a million steps—just mix, bake, glaze, and done.
If you’ve been searching for a simple Lemon Blondies Recipe or an Easy Lemon Bar Recipe that you can whip up for a bake sale, family gathering, or just because you need a Lemon Snack, this is it. These Lemony Lemon Brownies are a little bit of sunshine on a plate. And hey, if you wanna switch it up, try them as Lime Brownies or add a lemonade twist for one of the best Lemonade Dessert Recipes ever.
My kids love these, my friends always ask for the recipe, and I love that they’re a no-fail, go-to treat. So whether you call them Lemon Brownies, Lemon Dessert Bars, or even Lemon Fudge Brownies, just know you’re about to have a new favorite. Give ‘em a try and tell me—are these your new Tasty Treats Easy winner, or do you still have a soft spot for classic Lemon Squares? Either way, you can’t go wrong with Quick Lemon Desserts like this!
