Lemon Brownies are the bright, chewy antidote to chocolate overload. Not to be confused with Lemon Squares, these have the texture and consistency of a chocolate brownie. They’re tender, dense, and just the right amount of chewy – with zero chocolate and a whole lot of lemony punch. These brownies...

Lemon Brownies recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

16 Servings
(1 serving = 1 brownie)

Brownies

  • granulated sugar
    granulated sugar
    1 1/2cup
  • lemons zested & juiced
    lemons zested & juiced
    3
  • butter, melted
    butter, melted
    1/2cup
  • vanilla extract
    vanilla extract
    1tsp
  • lemon extract
    lemon extract
    1tsp
  • large eggs
    large eggs
    2
  • kosher salt
    kosher salt
    1/2tsp
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1/2tsp
  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    2cups

Lemon Glaze

  • powdered sugar
    powdered sugar
    1cup
  • milk
    milk
    1tbsp
  • lemon extract
    lemon extract
    1/2tsp

How to make Lemon Brownies

Prepare the Brownies

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 square baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Add sugar to a mixing bowl and add zest, rubbing it between your fingers to release the oils.

  3. Step 3

    Add melted butter and whisk to combine.

  4. Step 4

    Add vanilla extract, lemon extract, and eggs, and whisk until glossy.

  5. Step 5

    Slowly add in flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until combined thoroughly. Do not overmix.

  6. Step 6

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze

  1. Step 1

    Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract together until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    Adjust consistency by adding more sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick, 1 tsp at a time.

  3. Step 3

    Pour glaze over the cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to spread the glaze evenly to the edges.

  4. Step 4

    Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

192.7kcal (9.64%)

Protein

1.9g (3.78%)

Carbs

26.7g (9.69%)

Sugars

20.3g (40.56%)

Healthy Fat

2.8g

Unhealthy Fat

6.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use a metal pan for even cooking as it heats up faster than glass.

  2. Rub the lemon zest with sugar to release the oils for a stronger citrus flavor.

  3. Plant-based butter and almond milk can be used as substitutes for dairy ingredients without affecting the results.

  4. Garnish with edible flowers for a bakery-worthy presentation.

  5. Do not overmix the batter to maintain the dense and fudgy texture.

FAQS

  1. Can I use gluten-free flour?

    Yes, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

  2. Can I use plant-based butter and milk?

    Yes, plant-based butter and almond milk work well as substitutes for dairy ingredients.

  3. What type of pan is best for baking these brownies?

    A metal pan is recommended as it heats up faster and cooks more evenly than glass.

  4. Can I skip the glaze?

    Yes, the glaze is optional, but it adds a glossy finish and enhances the lemon flavor.

  5. How do I store these brownies?

    Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Loading reviews...

dixiechikcooks's profile picture
instagram

Shea Goldstein

(@dixiechikcooks)

A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia