Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Brownie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, replacing chocolate with a bright, zesty lemon flavor while keeping the dense, fudgy texture we all love. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a soft, chewy bite that melts in your mouth. Finished with a simple lemon glaze, they offer an extra burst of citrusy freshness that makes them irresistible. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or an everyday sweet treat, these lemon brownies are both refreshing and indulgent. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels elegant yet approachable. If you’re a lemon lover, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
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Lemon Brownie Bars Recipe – Zesty, Fudgy, and Refreshing
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fudgy lemon brownie bars bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing dessert twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- For glaze: whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Spread over cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra tangy flavor, add more lemon zest to the batter.
- Chill bars for 30 minutes after glazing for easier slicing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the bars.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter while balancing the tangy lemon.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and creates a fudgy texture.
Eggs – Bind the batter and help achieve the dense, chewy consistency.
Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, it brings bright citrus flavor.
Lemon zest – Intensifies the lemony punch and adds aroma.
Salt – Enhances and balances sweetness.
Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for sweetness and smooth texture.
Milk or cream – Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before glazing.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle or spread over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–16 bars, depending on size. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, baking requires 25 minutes, and cooling/glazing adds 20 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Berry twist – Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
Coconut lemon bars – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the glaze for added texture.
Gluten-free version – Substitute flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Extra tangy – Increase lemon juice and zest for a sharper citrus flavor.
Lavender lemon – Add a touch of culinary lavender for a floral note.
Frosted version – Replace glaze with a cream cheese frosting for richness.
White chocolate drizzle – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the glaze for a decadent touch.
Mini bars – Bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized lemon brownie bites.
FAQs
What makes these “brownies” if they don’t have chocolate?
The texture—dense, chewy, and fudgy—is similar to brownies, but flavored with lemon.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works if necessary.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
Not if eaten within 3 days, but refrigerating extends freshness.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze enhances both flavor and appearance.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour ensures the right chewy consistency.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion
Lemon Brownie Bars are a refreshing, tangy twist on classic brownies, offering a dense, fudgy bite with the brightness of fresh lemon. With their simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re perfect for both everyday baking and special occasions. Versatile, customizable, and bursting with citrus flavor, these bars are guaranteed to delight lemon lovers and bring a touch of sunshine to your dessert table.