Make these easy lemon brownies for a bright, zesty, and moist dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. This recipe includes a simple, tangy lemon glaze.
Author:michaelcarter
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:16 servings 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 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
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 to keep the brownies fudgy.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or juice, a teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the tangy citrus glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.
Notes
For extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice only; bottled juice changes the taste.
If you prefer a chewier texture, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes.
These lemon brownies cut best after the glaze has fully set, about 30 minutes.