Lemon Brownies

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Lemon Brownies
4. How To Serve Lemon Brownies
5. Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blondies Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. Easy Homemade Brownie Recipe
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

Lemon brownies bring sweet, zesty flavor with a soft, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Fresh lemon juice keeps them bright. Mix, bake, and glaze for the perfect treat. These lemon brownies always disappear fast at parties and bake sales.

You can make this easy lemon brownies recipe at home with the step-by-step directions below. We’ve included clear photos, pro tips, and smart tricks to help you along the way. Don’t miss the answers to the most frequently asked questions at the bottom.

Glazed lemon brownies come together quickly and bring a bold lemon flavor with a soft, fudgy texture. The sweet glaze on top adds the perfect finish, making every bite taste fresh and homemade.

They’re great for bake sales, potlucks, or just a weekday treat. These lemon brownies always stand out because they’re bright, easy, and never too sweet.

What you’ll need to make the best lemon brownie recipe:

For The Brownies:

• ½ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon, about 2 teaspoons
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder

For The Glaze:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon of lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or more water
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, optional garnish

Powdered sugar: Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the glaze to boost sweetness and make the brownies look even better.

Gluten-free flour: Swap in gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten—this recipe still turns out soft and tasty.

White chocolate chips: Stir ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter to make these lemon brownies even sweeter.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. You’ll get perfect lemon brownies bars every time. Let’s get started and bake something sweet and zesty!

FIRST STEP: To begin your lemon brownie prep, preheat your oven to 350°F, then line a 9×9-inch square glass baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

SECOND STEP: Mix together the oil and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine them thoroughly.

THIRD STEP: Beat in the lemon extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Then add one egg at a time and then the egg yolk, making sure you are mixing well between each one.

FOURTH STEP: Stir together the flour, salt, and baking powder and add it to the wet ingredients.

FIFTH STEP: Beat together for about 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy and well combined.

SIXTH STEP: Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool for 30 minutes before preparing the glaze.

SEVENTH STEP: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, lemon extract, and lemon juice until a smooth, paste-like glaze forms.

EIGHTH STEP: Spread the sweet lemon glaze over top of the brownies. Allow brownies to cool completely, and the glaze will set so that it’s dry to the touch. Then sprinkle with lemon zest to garnish.

NINTH STEP: Cut cooled brownies into pieces and serve.

You can serve lemon square brownies all year long because they’re light, sweet, and always a hit. They work for birthdays, brunch, or just because. Kids love the soft texture, and adults enjoy the bright lemon flavor.

This lemon brownie recipe is a reader favorite for good reason. It checks all the boxes—quick, easy, and full of fresh lemon flavor. This recipe brings brightness to any table and feels just right for both everyday treats and special moments.

• Easy to Make:You only need basic ingredients and one bowl, so cleanup stays simple and fast.
• Bold Lemon Flavor:Fresh lemon juice and zest pack every bite with bright, sunny taste without being too tart or too sweet.
• Perfect Texture:These brownies come out soft and fudgy every time, with a smooth glaze that sets just right.
• Kid-Approved:Even picky eaters go back for seconds, and the fun yellow color makes them extra appealing.
• Crowd-Pleaser:They slice clean, pack well, and work great for birthdays, bake sales, or potlucks.
• All-Season Favorite:The lemony freshness makes them perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want something light and sweet.

These lemon brownies are the kind of recipe you’ll keep on repeat!

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for lemon brownies?
You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice gives these brownies a brighter and better flavor overall.

Do I need to sift the flour for lemon brownies?
No, you don’t need to sift the flour. Just spoon and level it to avoid packing too much into the measuring cup.

How do I know when lemon brownies are done baking?
Check your brownies by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this lemon brownies recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the lemon brownies recipe. Just bake it in a 9×13 pan and watch the baking time closely.

Why do my lemon brownies come out too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, you may have overbaked them or added too much flour—measure carefully and bake just until set.

What’s the best way to get the glaze smooth on top?
Pour the glaze over warm lemon brownies, then tilt the pan gently to spread it evenly without needing a spatula.

Can I mix the batter by hand or do I need a mixer?
You can mix the lemon brownie batter by hand. A mixer works too, but hand-mixing keeps the texture soft and chewy.

Do I need parchment paper in the pan for lemon brownies?
Lining your pan with parchment paper helps lift the brownies out easily and makes cutting them super clean.

Why does the lemon glaze look thin or runny?
If your glaze seems too runny, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it thickens to your liking.

What is a great topping to add before serving lemon brownies?
Sprinkle extra lemon zest or powdered sugar just before serving to boost flavor and make them look extra special.

Should I serve lemon brownies warm or cold?
Lemon brownies taste great chilled or at room temperature. The glaze sets better if you let them cool first.

Are lemon brownies good for holiday desserts?
Yes, they work well for Easter, Mother’s Day, or baby showers because they feel fresh, light, and fun.

Do lemon brownies travel well for potlucks?
Yes, these easy lemon blondies hold their shape, pack easily, and don’t melt, so they’re great for potlucks or bake sales.

Can I serve lemon brownies as a brunch dessert?
Absolutely, lemon brownies add a sweet, citrusy bite that balances well with savory brunch dishes like eggs or pastries.

Keep your lemon brownies fresh and soft by storing them the right way. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days, just be sure to use an airtight container to lock in moisture and flavor.

If you want them to last a little longer, pop them in the fridge. Store them in a sealed container and enjoy them within a week—they’ll stay just as tasty.

Let the glaze set fully before you store your brownies. For extra protection, add wax paper between layers so nothing sticks together.

Need to freeze a batch? Freeze the brownies in a single layer first, then move them to a container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months.

To thaw frozen lemon brownies, just leave them out at room temperature for about an hour. This helps them stay soft and keeps the glaze looking good.

You don’t need to reheat lemon brownies. They taste great chilled or at room temp, ready to enjoy whenever you are.