This delightful Lemon Brownies recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just a simple mixing bowl (yes, fewer dishes!) for a quick and easy sweet treat that your family will love! Switch up the citrus fruits or throw in some delicious nuts to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” opportunity to get rid of any odds and ends you might have lying around! These brownies are perfect for a cozy weeknight dessert or just when you’re craving something fresh and zesty!
Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s break down what you’ll need to make these Lemon Brownies. The best part? Everything is super accessible, so you might already have most of these ingredients at home!
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (this is key, grab some of that fresh lemon goodness)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (I love using freshly squeezed for that zing!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt (just a couple of pinches!)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for that airy texture)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for a sweet glaze!)
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (for the glaze, more lemony goodness)

Ingredient Tips:
- You can easily substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice if you’re looking for a little twist.
- For added texture, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of poppy seeds if you have them.
The Cooking Process
How to Make Lemon Brownies
Are you ready? Let’s get cooking!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and grease it (or line it with parchment paper if you want to pull the brownies out later, works like a charm!).
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir this together until it’s smooth, this honestly smells so good, you might get tempted to lick the bowl!
Next, toss in the big stars of our show: the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until it’s all combined and looks nice and sunny!
Now grab another bowl. In this one, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This part is important because it ensures the baking powder distributes evenly, which helps your brownies rise nicely.
Gradually add that dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, do not overmix! You don’t want tough brownies; you want them soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Once mixed, pour that luscious batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly, don’t skimp on this part; you want every bite to be equally delightful.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). That’s the sweet spot for brownies, trust me!
While they cool down, let’s make that glaze! In a smaller bowl, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until it’s smooth and glossy.
Once your brownies are completely cool, pour that zesty glaze right over the top! Let it set for about 15 minutes so it gets nice and firmish, and then… time to cut them into squares and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Brownies are amazing on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside some fresh berries for an extra special treat. Honestly, they’re perfect for a gathering, lunchbox sweet treat, or even a cozy evening snack with a cup of tea or coffee!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something bright and cheerful (hello, lemons!) but don’t have much time. Being a busy mom, it’s tricky sometimes to bake from scratch, but these brownies? They come together so easily, you’ll find yourself making them time and time again! I’m a real sucker for the refreshing flavor they bring. Plus, the best part is you can customize them! Got some nuts lying around? Toss ‘em in! Feeling like something a little different? Lemon-lime brownies? Yes, please!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake, my Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby, or my Easy Praline Crunch!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This recipe really comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s quick and delicious?
Crow-Pleaser
These brownies are definitely a crowd-pleaser! The tangy lemon flavor is so refreshing and bright, making them a hit among kids and adults alike. I mean, who can resist a sweet treat that just bursts with flavor?
Customizable
The secret to a truly fantastic brownie is in its versatility. If you’re out of one ingredient? No worries. You can switch up the citrus or add whatever you have on hand. Leftover nuts? Not a problem!
Comfort Food
These brownies are loaded with tons of flavor and richness, so comfort food at its finest. The glaze just adds that extra layer of indulgence and, let’s be real, it looks pretty too!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Serve these delectable brownies as they are, or dress them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh fruit. They are also delightful with tea or coffee!
Storage: To keep your Lemon Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week.
Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds till they’re warmed through. That glaze will melt slightly, and it’s divine!
Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze Lemon Brownies! Just wrap them tightly in plastic and then foil, and they’ll last for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice packs the most flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. The flavor may not be as vibrant, but it will still work!
Do these brownies freeze well?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly for freezing, perfect for making ahead or saving some for later!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The baking powder should be gluten-free as well.
So there you have it! A delightful, quick, and easy Lemon Brownies recipe that shines bright and fresh. Perfect for treating your family, and yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Now go on, get baking!
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Quick and Easy Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Lemon Brownies recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and easy sweet treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until smooth.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze until smooth.
- Once brownies are cool, pour the glaze over the top and let it set for about 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
These brownies can be customized with different citrus fruits or mixed with nuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg