Lemon brownies are a unique, citrusy twist on classic brownies, made with white chocolate and fresh lemon and topped with a zesty glaze—perfect for citrus season!
As a seasoned pastry chef, lemon desserts have always been a favorite—the sweet and tart balance is irresistible!
When brainstorming an elevated twist on a classic, I wondered why do brownies have to be dark chocolate? Why not make them as bright and citrusy as my lemon poppy seed cake?
These lemon brownies are just that—complete with a classic fudgy texture (and brown butter for more richness)!
Like my bright and summery lemon raspberry cupcakes and bakery-style lemon rolls, they’re the kind of treat that feels bakery-fancy but couldn’t be easier to make!
Table of Contents
How to Make Them
1
Make the brown butter. This is an extra step, but it’s so worth it! The butter’s nuttiness brings richness to the brownies, balancing the brightness of the lemon.
2
Mix in the white chocolate.
3
Whisk the wet ingredients for about 1 minute before adding the butter/white chocolate mixture. This is key to achieving crinkle tops!
4
Fold in the dry ingredients. Don’t overmix, or the brownies will be more tough and dense.
5
Spread the brownie batter into an 8×8 baking pan. Then bake the brownies until the top is lightly golden brown!
6
Cover with lemon icing. Let the icing set before cutting. For clean slices, wipe it clean between cuts!
3 Tips for Fudgy Brownies
Use a kitchen scale. Baking with a scale is my #1 baking tip! Packing too much flour into a measuring cup can lead to dry, cake-like brownies instead of fudgy ones.
Use cold eggs instead of warm ones. Cold eggs won’t incorporate as much air when whisking, keeping the brownie texture dense and fudgy instead of cakey.
Let the brownies cool completely. This allows them to set properly and develop their signature fudgy texture. This can take 1-2 hours!
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh lemons: While regular lemons are perfect, you can substitute them for Meyer lemons for a more sweet (less tart) flavor when they are in season. Lemon extract can be used in a pinch!
More Fresh Lemon Recipes
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Lemon Brownies
Equipment
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, *see notes for measuring*
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C. Line a metal 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cook the butter in a stainless steel pan until browned. Scrape all of the brown butter into a shallow container and set it aside to cool for 10 minutes. Then mix in the white chocolate chips until melted. Set aside.3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (90 g) white chocolate chips
- Rub the lemon zest into the light brown and granulated sugar. Then whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, 2 (100 g) large eggs, 1 (18 g) large egg yolk, 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Whisk in the brown butter and white chocolate mixture.
- Fold in the flour and salt until just combined.1 3/4 cups (230 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Evenly spread the brownie batter into the lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center is covered in a few moist crumbs.
- Let the pan cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, make the lemon icing.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Once completely cool, pull the parchment paper up to remove the brownies from the pan. Spread the icing over the top with an offset spatula and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Let it set completely before cutting. For clean slices, wipe the knife clean in between cuts!
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & tag @cambreabakes on social!
They turned out so perfect and tasted amazing!
These brownies had the best flavor and texture! Everyone at the office loved them and how unique they were.