Name: Lemony Bliss Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485868H10M29S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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These Lemony Bliss Brownies deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet, fudgy texture, combining the rich decadence of a brownie with the bright, refreshing zing of fresh lemon — a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. I make sure not to overbake them to keep that fudgy texture.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 brownies. Prep takes me around 10 minutes, and baking takes 20-25 minutes, so the total time is about 35 minutes. Each brownie contains approximately 210 calories.

Variations

I sometimes like to add a bit of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture. You can also swap out lemon zest for lime zest for a slightly different citrus twist. For a more decadent treat, drizzle a lemon glaze over the brownies after they cool, made simply from powdered sugar and lemon juice. If I want a gluten-free option, I use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these brownies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to a month, wrapping each brownie individually. When reheating, I warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that soft, fudgy texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

I always prefer fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too. Just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

I check by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking makes the brownies dry, so I watch them closely towards the end.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! I substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, which works well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray, but parchment paper makes it easier to lift the brownies out for clean cutting.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or divide the batter between two 8x8-inch pans. Adjust the baking time slightly and check frequently for doneness.

Conclusion

Making these lemony brownies always feels like a little celebration of flavors in my kitchen. They’re simple, quick, and a refreshing twist on a classic dessert that I enjoy sharing with friends and family. Whether for a casual snack or a special occasion, these brownies never fail to impress with their perfect balance of tang and sweetness. I hope you love making and eating them as much as I do.

Recipe:

Lemony Bliss Brownies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These lemon brownies deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet, fudgy texture, combining rich chocolate decadence with bright, refreshing lemon zest for a unique twist on a classic treat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the fudgy texture.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into squares and serve.