Easy Lemon Brownies
These easy lemon brownies are soft, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a sweet-tart lemon glaze, they bake into tender, fudgy bars that are perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon coffee, or whenever you want a cheerful homemade dessert.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- parchment paper optional but helps remove brownies easily
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- spatula
- citrus zester
- citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the brownies release easily after baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, eggs, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing so the brownies stay tender.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before preparing the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread it evenly across the top. Let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid overbaking so the brownies stay soft and fudgy in the center. Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets into a glossy sweet-tart layer. For extra lemon flavor, add additional zest to the batter or glaze.