The Best Lemon Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Brownies are the ideal combination of dense, fudgy brownie texture and bright, citrusy flavor. The lemon zest gives the brownies a fresh and tangy note, while the white chocolate bar melts into the batter, creating pockets of sweetness. Finished with a tart lemon glaze, these brownies are the perfect treat for spring or summer or whenever you’re craving something citrusy. They’re easy to make, and their unique flavor profile will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 (4 oz) white chocolate bar (Ghirardelli or your preferred brand)
• 3/4 heaping cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the butter and white chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and white chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, eggs, egg yolk, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the cooled butter and white chocolate mixture to the bowl and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Once everything is combined, stir in the fresh lemon juice for an added burst of citrus flavor.
6. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the glaze: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Glaze the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the brownies. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 brownies and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. Once the brownies have cooled, they will need an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Variations

1. Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter.
2. Strawberry twist: Add fresh strawberries or strawberry puree to the glaze for a fruity twist.
3. Vegan option: Use non-dairy butter and substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) for a vegan version of these lemon brownies.
4. Frosting: Instead of a glaze, you can top the brownies with a creamy lemon frosting for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to stay fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm brownies, microwave them for 15-20 seconds or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without white chocolate?

Yes, you can omit the white chocolate if you prefer a more traditional lemon flavor, but the brownies will lack the creamy sweetness the white chocolate provides. You can substitute with additional sugar or a bit of coconut milk for richness.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity for a gluten-free version.

How can I make the brownies more lemony?

To increase the lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or a little more lemon juice to the batter. Just be mindful of the moisture balance in the batter.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, you can substitute bottled lemon juice. Fresh zest is still recommended for the best results.

Can I add other fruits to these brownies?

Absolutely! Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, can be mixed into the batter or used as a topping for added texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of extract instead of lemon extract?

While lemon extract helps boost the citrus flavor, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or orange extract for a different twist.

Can I make these brownies without a glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze for a less sweet version, or you could dust the brownies with powdered sugar instead.

Can I substitute the butter with something else?

You can substitute butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Be careful not to overbake for a fudgy texture.

Are these brownies suitable for a party?

Yes! These lemon brownies are perfect for a party or gathering. They’re easy to cut into squares, and the citrus flavor is refreshing, making them an ideal spring or summer dessert.

Conclusion

Lemon Brownies are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the richness of brownies with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and white chocolate gives these treats a unique and mouthwatering flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet and tangy treat, these lemon brownies are sure to impress!

Print