Make these easy lemon brownies for a refreshing twist on the classic. They feature a dense, fudgy texture and a bright, tangy lemon glaze that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Author:emilyharrison
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:16 squares 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of 3 large lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until fully combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the 1/4 cup of lemon juice. The batter will be thick.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for a fudgy texture.
Prepare the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice together until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice, a half teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.
Notes
For the fudgiest texture, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness early.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the powdered sugar slightly.
These lemon brownies cut cleanly once the glaze has fully set.