Lemon Brownie Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Brighten your dessert table with these zesty Lemon Brownie Bars! A perfect balance of fudgy richness and refreshing citrus, these bars boast a delightful lemon flavor topped off with a smooth, tangy glaze. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat just for you, they are sure to be a hit with every tart-loving dessert fan.

Chloe Bennett

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2025-11-26T12:30:45.064Z

These Lemon Brownie Bars are a delightful treat that bring together the richness of brownies with the refreshing zing of lemon. Perfect for any occasion!

A Delightful Twist on Classic Brownies

Lemon Brownie Bars are a refreshing departure from the traditional chocolate brownie. The combination of zesty lemon and fudgy texture creates a unique dessert experience that is sure to excite your palate. These bars serve as an excellent choice for those who want something sweet yet citrusy, making them perfect for both summer get-togethers and year-round indulgence. Their vibrant yellow hue also adds a cheerful visual element to any dessert spread.

Unlike typical brownies characterized by rich chocolate flavors, these lemon-infused treats offer a delightful tang that is both invigorating and satisfying. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and tartness from the lemon juice harmonizes beautifully, making every bite a balanced experience. If you're looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet cravings, these bars are a foolproof choice.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Lemon Brownie Bars are versatile enough to serve at a variety of events, from casual gatherings to sophisticated parties. Their appealing flavor profile pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, making them an excellent addition to afternoon snacks or brunches. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic or an indoor potluck, these bars will delight your guests and leave them craving more.

They also shine as a simple yet thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family. With their easy preparation and the ability to be made in large batches, these bars can be packaged beautifully to suit any occasion. Just slice them into neat squares and place them in a decorative box or on a plate, and you have a lovely present that’s bound to be appreciated.

Elevate Your Baking Skills

Baking Lemon Brownie Bars is a delightful way to enhance your culinary skills while enjoying a tasty treat. This recipe involves mixing basic ingredients with a touch of creativity, allowing you to explore the art of baking with a citrus twist. Understanding how to balance flavors and textures will improve your overall baking proficiency and confidence in the kitchen.

Furthermore, with this recipe, you will learn valuable techniques like the importance of zesting lemons for maximum flavor impact and creating a smooth glaze. These skills can be applied to various other recipes, expanding your dessert repertoire and ensuring that you can impress family and friends with your enhanced baking talents.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making the delicious Lemon Brownie Bars!

For the Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

You now have everything you need to whip up these delicious bars!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lemon Brownie Bars.

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Stir in the flour, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Bars

Once the brownies are cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Allow it to set before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Brownie Bars!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked and glazed, allow the Lemon Brownie Bars to cool completely before slicing. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

These bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature. For an added touch of elegance, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of additional lemon zest on top can elevate the presentation and flavor even further, making them an excellent choice for special occasions.

Variations to Experiment With

While the classic Lemon Brownie Bars are delightful on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding poppy seeds for a lovely crunch and visual appeal, or incorporating white chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Both variations work harmoniously with the lemon, creating an even more engaging dessert experience.

For a more decadent treat, you can also experiment with a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze. This addition will provide a richer texture and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon base. No matter how you choose to modify the recipe, these bars leave room for creativity and personal touch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze these Lemon Brownie Bars?

Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.

Lemon Brownie Bars

Brighten your dessert table with these zesty Lemon Brownie Bars! A perfect balance of fudgy richness and refreshing citrus, these bars boast a delightful lemon flavor topped off with a smooth, tangy glaze. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat just for you, they are sure to be a hit with every tart-loving dessert fan.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Chloe Bennett

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 bars

What You'll Need

For the Bars

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. Zest of 2 lemons
  8. 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  3. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Stir in the flour, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.

Step 03

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 04

While the brownies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 05

Once the brownies are cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Allow it to set before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 13g
  • Protein: 2g