These easy lemon brownies are tangy and refreshing, boast a delightfully chewy and fudgy base, and are topped with a sweet lemon glaze for the finishing touch. Say hello to the best lemon brownies ever!

Lemon Brownies cut into squares on a wooden cutting board

Why this recipe works

Lemon bars meet fudge brownies for a combination you didn’t know you needed! These lemon brownies are fudgy and chewy like a brownie and bursting with refreshing citrus flavor, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Give me anything lemon and you have my heart, but I could say the same thing about brownies. This mash-up is a real winner in my book! Plus, the prep is quick and easy which is always a welcome bonus.

Stack of Lemon Brownies with Lemon Brownie squares next to it

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LEMON – I highly recommend using fresh lemon for this recipe, it will make all the difference. You’ll need about 2 large lemons to yield enough juice and zest for both the brownie and glaze portion of this recipe. Sometimes it’s safest to grab an extra lemon just in case. Choose lemons that give a little when gently squeezed, these usually have the juiciest insides.

How to Make Lemon Brownies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease any exposed sides. Arrange the parchment paper so that the sides hang off the pan, which will make it easier to lift the brownies once baked.
In a medium bowl add the melted butter and sugar. Mix with a spatula or whisk until well combined.
Beat in two eggs just until combined.
Pour in ¼ cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon (or more if desired) of fresh lemon zest and mix.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, mixing well.
Pour batter into the prepared 8×8 pan.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, the top should start to get hard. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before making glaze (you can leave them in the pan for the entire cooling process).
Place powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl and whisk well until no lumps are left. The glaze should be easily pourable.
Remove the brownies from the pan and pour glaze over top. Evenly spread the glaze out with a knife or spatula. Sprinkle with as much zest as desired and cut into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can you freeze lemon brownies?

Yes, to freeze, wrap the lemon brownies a few times with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

How do you store lemon brownies?

Store the brownies in an air-tight container kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

What’s the difference between lemon brownies and lemon bars?

Lemon bars have a curd-like interior, are baked on a shortbread crust, and are dusted with powdered sugar on top. Their texture is soft and almost gooey. Lemon brownies do not have a crust, are fudgy and chewy just like a regular brownie would be, and are typically topped with a sweet glaze. You can compare their texture to a lemon cookie bar. They both share the star ingredient, lemon, but differ largely in texture.

Can I double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan?

Yes, you can double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan. Do note that baking the doubled recipe in a 9×13 pan will likely yield thicker lemon brownies, which may call for additional time in the oven. Use the toothpick method to check for doneness. A small amount of moist crumbs is fine, so long as there is no wet batter on the toothpick.

Stack of Lemon Brownies with a bite taken out of the top brownie

Serving Suggestions

Our favorite way to serve these lemon brownies is topped with fresh lemon glaze, but you can omit the glaze and opt for a dusting of powdered sugar, or rather just enjoy them plain if desired.

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