Create these bright, zesty lemon brownies that offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart. This recipe delivers a dense, fudgy texture, topped with a simple, tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing citrus dessert.
Author:Cat
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 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 baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
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 9×9 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 combined.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time is important for achieving the fudgy texture.
Prepare the glaze: 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 completely cool, drizzle the tangy lemon glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.
Notes
For the fudgiest texture, avoid overbaking. The center should remain slightly soft when removed from the oven.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor in your lemon brownies.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of lemon juice used in the final step.