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Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe

4.4 from 117 reviews

These Easy Lemon Brownies combine the rich, buttery texture of traditional brownies with a bright, tangy lemon flavor. Perfectly moist and topped with a zesty lemon glaze, this dessert offers a refreshing twist for lemon lovers looking for a simple yet delicious treat.

Ingredients

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Brownie Batter

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 23 lemons)
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
  2. Make Batter – Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly combined to ensure consistent texture in the brownies.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step aerates the mixture, contributing to a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth and emulsified batter.
  5. Add Lemon and Vanilla: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor and aromatic vanilla notes.
  6. Fold in Flour Mixture: Gradually fold the whisked flour and salt into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set before glazing.
  9. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the lemon zest to add texture and enhance the lemon flavor.
  10. Glaze Brownies: Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled brownies and spread gently. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure eggs are at room temperature before mixing to help create a smooth batter.
  • Do not overbake; brownies should remain moist inside.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest in the glaze according to your citrus preference.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: lemon brownies, easy lemon dessert, lemon glaze brownies, citrus brownies, tangy lemon brownies