These easy Lemon Brownies, aka Lemon Blondies, are deliciously soft, thick, and fudgy with a tart, fresh lemony taste. They're a quick and easy dessert to make and so moist they melt in your mouth. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, they're a refreshing treat for spring, summer, and the holidays.
FYI - This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All links are products I use when making my recipes.
Table of contents
Favorite Lemon Recipes
I am a sucker for anything lemon-flavored! From Lemon Blueberry Pancakes to Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce to lemon desserts like Lemon Chiffon Cake, there always seems to be something lemony in my kitchen. This easy Lemon Brownies recipe is simply AH-mazing and my latest indulgence to satisfy my craving.
And oh what a treat it is! These 8x8-inch pan brownies just shout "move over chocolate" I'm here to impress! Now, I love chocolate as much as the next person but this lemon version is a refreshing change. They're the best lemon brownies ever and they're going to knock your socks off.
Do Brownies Have to be Chocolate?
You're probably wondering how in the world I can call this a brownie. Well, it has the same fudgy texture, they're moist, dense, and so much like traditional brownies, just without the cocoa powder. And don't get me started on the delicious lemon glaze! It's sweet and tart and a totally drool-worthy finishing touch. So do brownies have to be chocolate - my answer would be a resounding NO!
A lot of regular brownie recipes use oil instead of butter, but these lemon blondies are the perfect excuse to go all buttery. I used unsalted butter and the result speaks for itself. Dense and rich in texture, with a remarkable depth of flavor that only butter can provide.
Want more brownies without chocolate? How about these rich Butterscotch Blondies or these gooey, indulgent Peanut Butter Blondies? Both are dense and delicious, and there's no chocolate in sight!
Why You'll Love This One Bowl Lemon Brownie Recipe
- If you are a fan of lemon, you'll love these brownies!
- Deliciously rich and dense brownie texture just like your favorite chocolate brownie.
- Simple recipe with simple ingredients just mix, bake, glaze, and indulge!
- This one-bowl lemon brownies recipe means clean up is a breeze!
- Fresh lemons give these lemon blondies a blast of real lemon flavor with a decided tangy kick.
Ingredients
For the exact quantities check the printable recipe card below.
For the blondies:
All Purpose Flour - for cakier brownies you can substitute cake flour.
Butter - adds richness as well as depth of flavor to the brownies.
Sugar - creates a sweet balance to the tang of the lemon.
Eggs - make sure they are at room temperature for better blending.
Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest - I suggest you use fresh lemons for a richer fresh lemon flavor. It will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the finished blondies. You will also need them for the fresh lemon zest. Substitute oranges or limes for a delicious variation.
Vanilla Extract - adds an extra depth of flavor.
Baking Powder - is used for leavening and thickening.
TIP: When purchasing lemons, look for bright lemons with unblemished peel and a firm, heavy feel to them. To release the most juice from a lemon, place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
For the lemon glaze:
Powdered Sugar - acts as a sweet balance for the tart lemon juice.
Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest - fresh lemons will give you the best results.
How to Make Lemon Blondies
- Place soft unsalted butter with sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Cream until light and creamy. You will notice the color becomes a pale yellow with a slight increase in volume. It usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Continue to mix ingredients as you add the eggs one at a time.
- Beat in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix baking powder with flour. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. If you prefer a brownie that is more cakey, add ¾ teaspoon baking powder.
- Pour batter into an 8x8-inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Smooth and level the surface then bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
- While brownies are baking, gather ingredients for lemon glaze - powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to powdered sugar.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Once lemon brownies have cooled, lift them out of the baking pan by grabbing onto the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack. You may want to place a cookie sheet underneath to catch any overflow of glaze for easier cleanup.
- Pour the simple lemon glaze over the brownies and smooth to the edges.
- Sprinkle additional zest on top and let cool completely.
These lemon brownies are everything a brownie should be, moist, fudgy, rich, and delicious! And, believe it or not, you won't even miss the chocolate! If you are a lemon lover and into sweet and tart desserts, these beauties are for you! The perfect citrus dessert for spring, summer, Mother's Day, and a bright addition to your Christmas cookie tins. Enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Blondies
To store: Let them cool completely then store in an airtight container on the counter for 4 days or up to one week in the refrigerator.
To freeze: Freeze them prior to adding the glaze. Let them cool then place in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then glaze and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Measure the flour properly. Spoon it into a dry measuring cup then level it off with a knife or other flat implement.
- Grate just the top yellow outer layer of the lemon to get the zest. Don't grate the white layer below it.
- Use fresh lemons because bottled lemon juice won't have as good flavor as fresh lemon juice. Plus you need the zest of the lemon.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy release of the bars after baking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them.
Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Brownies (you know I couldn't forget that combo) - just add ¾ cup fresh blueberries
- Lemon Coconut Brownies - for a touch of tropical add ¾ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- Strawberry Lemon Brownies - add ½ cup chopped strawberries to the mix
- Chocolate lovers can still get their fix by adding ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
For the ideal and most refreshing flavor, I would highly recommend fresh lemons. You will get more lemon flavor as well as being able to add the zest which brings more tang to the end result. However, if you need to use jarred lemon juice, use an organic product that has a taste closer to fresh flavor. Use 2 tablespoons for every juiced lemon called for in the recipe.
Absolutely! Make a double batch and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. The time will need to be increased so bake it until it looks set. Use a toothpick in the center to check for doneness. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are fine.
You can bake these lemon blondies up to 2-3 days prior to serving them but do not glaze. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove them from the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature then glaze them as directed.
More Lemon Recipes
Lemon Blueberry Muffins are a flavorful breakfast treat. Super moist lemon-flavored muffins filled with plump blueberries then sprinkled with a crunchy topping of sweet crumbs and pecans.
Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are soft, moist lemon-flavored cake donuts, filled with blueberries and baked not fried. And like this lemon brownie recipe, they're topped with an oh-so-sweet lemon glaze.
Strawberry Lemonade Bars are the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Baked on a crunchy shortbread crust they are a delicious way to welcome warm weather.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are sweet and zesty cookies that bake up soft & chewy on the inside with a sweet sugary crunch on the outside.
LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.
Easy Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
Brownies
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ -1 cup sugar (depending on your preferred sweetness level)
- 2 eggs
- 3-4 Tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 whole lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder *use ¾ teaspoon for more cake-like brownies - see comment in note section
- Garnish: additional lemon zest
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper in both directions and allow it to hang over the edge. This acts like a sling and will aid in removing brownies from the dish.
Brownies
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Continue beating at lower speed while adding eggs, one at a time.
- Then add lemon juice, zest and vanilla extract.
- Stir in flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Once cool, lift out of baking dish using the parchment paper sling. Place on wire rack.
Lemon Glaze
- Mix the 3 ingredients for the glaze together until smooth.
- Pour lemon glaze over the cooled brownies then sprinkle a little more zest over the top (if desired). Let cool completely before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with more helpful information. It was first published on August 22, 2021.
Lisalia says
These are so refreshing and sweet! Perfect for summer time. Turned out perfectly.
Beth says
I love that in 40 minutes this easy, tasty dessert can be in my belly! Delish!
Linda Warren says
Me too!
Toni says
My kids couldn't stop eating these brownies!
Helen says
I love anything lemon flavoured and these look amazing! That fudgy texture is perfect. Great recipe!
Linda Warren says
How can you go wrong with lemon and fudgy, right? lol
Stephanie says
Oh my goodness, these are like a bite of summer! I used some vegan butter to make it dairy-free (I'm allergic) and they were delicious.
Linda Warren says
It's great to know they are delicious with the vegan changes. I'll pass it along.
Pam says
These were so perfect for my friend's daughter's baby shower. Everyone raved about them!
Linda Warren says
So glad they were a hit! Congrats to the new parents!
Jess says
Everything is right in the world when I am eating one of these!
Linda Warren says
Love to meet another lemon lover! Couldn't agree more!