Easy Fudge Lemon Brownies

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These Easy Fudge Lemon Brownies are so refreshing yet indulgent. They combine the rich, chewy texture of a brownie with a bright, zesty lemon twist. A light lemon glaze on top adds an extra burst of sweetness and tang, making them the perfect melt-in-your-mouth lemon brownie! 

I just can’t stop baking all things lemon. When Spring arrives, the lemon cravings start, and that’s when I a grab a Costco sized bag of lemons and get to baking. Some of my favorite lemon recipes are Oatmeal Lemon Shortbread Bars, Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies, Lemon Cupcakes, & Chewy Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. I had to add a lemon brownie to my lemon dessert recipe index for several reasons!

• Easy to make – You know I like to try and keep my recipes simple, while also making sure they’re delicious. These lemon brownies come together in one bowl and use staple ingredients. No mixer or special kitchen equipment is required!
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture – I am obsessed with the melt-in-your-mouth experience these lemon brownies create! Especially the next day – the glaze seeps into the brownies creating a layer of fudge like texture. They’re seriously to die for!
• Great for special occasions – Of course these can be enjoyed whenever, but they’re also a bit unique, making them perfect for dinner parties, barbecues, baby showers, wedding showers and more!

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients:

• All purpose flour – AP flour provides structure for the brownies.
• Salt – A little salt enhances the lemon flavor and balances the sweet and tart flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Sugar sweetens the brownie.
• Lemon zest – Fresh lemon zest is massaged into the sugar creating a deep, rich lemon flavor.
• Lemon juice – Some lemon juice is also added to make sure the lemon flavor is well-rounded. =
• Melted butter – I love the butter in this recipe. It adds flavor but also helps create a more yellow colored brownie.
• Vanilla extract – A little vanilla adds warmth.
• Eggs – A couple of eggs help bind all the ingredients together.

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

• Powdered sugar: Also know has confectioners sugar, powdered sugar is essential in making a glaze. It absorbs moisture creating a smooth consistency.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice gives the glaze a nice tart kick. 
• Lemon zest: Lemon zest ensures a deep lemon flavor. I also love the way the zest looks in the glaze.
• Melted butter: A little butter helps give the glaze structure. It also helps it stick and harden to the muffin. 
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and a touch of sweetness.
• Warm water: If necessary, a little warm water helps smooth the glaze so it can be easily drizzled.

How to Make Lemon Brownies

Tips for Success

• Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. This helps reduce mistakes and saves time.
• Make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the brownies won’t stick to the pan. It also makes cutting them much easier as you can simply lift the brownies out of the pan.
• Do not over-mix the batter once you add the flour – simply fold the flour into the wet ingredients.
• Do not over-bake. Test the brownies early on, at 20 minutes, by inserting a toothpick in the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean, they’re done!
• Let the brownies rest before cutting into them. This allows the lemon flavor to really settle into the brownie and it ensures the glaze is also set. I like to enjoy them the next day.

These Easy Fudge Lemon Brownies are the perfect balance of rich, fudge texture and bright citrus flavor. With Spring around the corner, these brownies will become your new favorite dessert for all your warm weather occasions. Quick to whip up and irresistibly delicious, these lemon brownies are must-try for citrus lovers!

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Yield: 12 small brownies

Lemon Brownies

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Lemon brownies are a citrusy twist on a traditional brownie. Made with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, these brownies are bursting with tangy sweetness!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

Lemon Brownies

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• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Lemon Glaze

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• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. To help parchment paper stick, lightly grease the pan before lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl mix sugar and the zest from 1 lemon with your hands until lemon zest is infused into the sugar.
3. Next whisk in melted butter for about 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla, and again whisk well for about 1 minute. Lastly, whisk in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - batter may curdle a little.
4. Finally, add flour and salt and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until incorpated. Batter will be thick.
5. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan - an offset spatula or back of a spoon is helpful for this.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes (check at 20 minutes). Brownies are done when they are slightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies should come out clean. Careful to not overbake! Let cool completely before adding the glaze on top.
7. While brownies are cooling, make the lemon glaze. To make the glaze, add all ingredients (except water) into a bowl and whisk. If glaze is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time to thin it out. Once brownies are cooled, evenly spread the glaze over the brownies. Glaze will harden as it sets. Enjoy!

Notes

Brownies will last in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Brownies are best several hours after baking - this is a great recipe to make a day before serving.

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