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Lemon Brownies Recipe from Julia’s Album

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These delicious summer lemon brownies are crafted with lemon-infused sugar, melted white chocolate chips, and fresh lemon juice. They are elegantly topped with a simple, tangy cream cheese frosting that is further enhanced with additional lemon zest and juice.

Lemon brownie topped with a light cream cheese frosting - nestled on top of the lemon slice. 

Indulge in Bright Summer Lemon Brownies with Velvety White Chocolate

Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, these lemon brownies are light, tangy, and infused with a burst of sunny flavor—exactly what you desire when you’re craving something refreshing rather than another heavy dessert. I adore chocolate (just check out my raspberry brownies for proof!), but here, I replace cocoa powder with zesty lemon and melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate chips. Each bite offers a chewy, soft texture that’s overflowing with vibrant, citrusy goodness. I can already envision these brownies becoming my go-to treat for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, and potlucks, much like my crowd-favorite blueberry lemon loaf with a luscious lemon glaze, this lemon raspberry bundt cake, and my delightful lemon thumbprint cookies.

Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting (4 brownies stacked one on top of the other).
Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting and a slice of lemon - on a plate.Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting and a slice of lemon - on a plate.
Lemon brownie topped with a light cream cheese frosting.Lemon brownie topped with a light cream cheese frosting.

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Zesty Lemon Brownies Recipe

These refreshing lemon brownies are created using lemon-infused sugar, melting white chocolate chips, and fresh lemon juice, then generously topped with a delightful, tangy cream cheese frosting that is further enhanced with even more lemon zest and juice.

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Baking Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories per serving 456 kcal

Step-by-Step Directions 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

  • In a large mixing bowl, add butter and cream it with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together sugar and lemon zest to thoroughly coat the sugar with the fresh lemon flavor. Combine this mixture with the creamed butter, then add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips slowly, starting with 20 seconds, and then continue in 10-second increments until smooth. Be careful not to overheat!

  • Mix the melted white chocolate into the butter mixture. Then, add the lemon juice and blend all the ingredients until fully combined.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together salt and flour, then gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not over-mix.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 35-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check around the 25-minute mark, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool.

  • While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until well combined and creamy.

  • Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting over the top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Helpful Notes

  • Gather Your Supplies: You will need a 9×9-inch baking pan, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a hand mixer, and a stirring spoon to prepare these brownies.
  • Preparation is Key: Collect all your ingredients beforehand and prepare your tools to streamline the baking process.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal texture and a smooth batter.
  • Enhancing Lemon Sugar: Whisk or press the lemon zest into the sugar to release the lemon oils, which will flavor the sugar beautifully.
  • Easy Removal and Clean Cuts: Use enough parchment paper to allow it to hang over the edges of the pan, making it easy to lift the brownies out. For clean cuts, let the brownies cool completely and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing. Use a warm, sharp knife to cut your brownies, cleaning off the knife with each cut.
  • Cool Before Topping: Allow your brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting or sliding off.
  • Alternative to Cream Cheese Frosting: You can skip the cream cheese frosting and simply glaze the top or leave it plain. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of lemon juice slightly or add powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra zest to the glaze or topping.
  • Choosing the Right Baking Pan: I used a 9×9-inch pan. You can also bake these brownies in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger brownie. Just reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
  • Storing: Keep your brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Lemon brownies can be frozen in an airtight container for about 2 months.
  • Make Gluten-Free: You can substitute gluten-free baking flour or almond flour. Just be sure to check the consistency and adjust the baking time slightly.
  • Check for Doneness: To test if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are done!

Nutritional Information

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Nutritional Data

Lemon Brownies

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* % Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Disclaimer:

The nutritional information provided on this website is merely an estimate and is offered for convenience and courtesy. The accuracy of the nutritional details for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for professional nutritionist advice.

Master the Art of Making Lemon Brownies with Step-by-Step Photos

  • Gather all necessary ingredients – this photo conveniently displays every single ingredient you need (with labels):
This photo shows every single ingredient you need to make lemon brownies (with labels).This photo shows every single ingredient you need to make lemon brownies (with labels).
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with a hand mixer until it becomes fluffy and light.
  • In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest, whisking together to coat the sugar with vibrant lemon flavor, then mix it into the butter. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed before adding the next.
Granulated sugar in one bowl; butter in another bowl.Granulated sugar in one bowl; butter in another bowl.
Creaming the butter in a bowl; then mixing in sugar, lemon zest, and eggs and creaming them with butter.Creaming the butter in a bowl; then mixing in sugar, lemon zest, and eggs and creaming them with butter.
  • Next, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Start with 20 seconds, then heat in 10-second increments until smooth.
  • Stir the melted chocolate into the butter mixture, then combine it with the lemon juice. Whisk the salt into the flour, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Combining wet and dry ingredients in a bowl; then pouring the batter into a parchment paper lined pan.Combining wet and dry ingredients in a bowl; then pouring the batter into a parchment paper lined pan.
  • Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 35-38 minutes, taking care to check at 25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Spreading the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan; baking until browned on top.Spreading the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan; baking until browned on top.
  • For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until blended seamlessly.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Preparing the ingredients for making the frosting; then spreading the frosting on top of the cooled brownies.Preparing the ingredients for making the frosting; then spreading the frosting on top of the cooled brownies.
spreading the frosting on top of the cooled unsliced brownies; then slicing the brownies.spreading the frosting on top of the cooled unsliced brownies; then slicing the brownies.
Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting.Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting.

Stylish Presentation Ideas for Your Lemon Brownies

Not only are lemon brownies delicious, but they can also be visually stunning. I love to garnish them with fresh lemon zest or a few thin slices of lemon to make them look as impressive as they taste. If I choose to skip the cream cheese frosting (or a lemon glaze), I’ll simply dust them with powdered sugar instead. These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a refreshing glass of cold milk!

Storage Instructions for Maintaining Freshness

  • Room Temperature: Store your lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Refrigeration: For longer-lasting freshness, keep brownies in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they are tightly covered to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. After they have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or for 5 minutes at 350°F in the oven (if you want them slightly warm with a little crisp edge). Avoid adding cream cheese frosting when reheating in the oven.

Explore More Refreshing Summer Desserts

Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting (4 brownies topped one on top of another).Lemon brownies topped with a light cream cheese frosting (4 brownies topped one on top of another).
Lemon brownie topped with a light cream cheese frosting - surrounded by lemon slices.Lemon brownie topped with a light cream cheese frosting - surrounded by lemon slices.

Ethan Carter
Ethan Carterhttps://chitowndailynews.com
Ethan Carter is an experienced journalist and media analyst with a deep passion for local news and community storytelling. A Chicago native, Ethan has spent over a decade covering politics, business, and cultural developments throughout the city. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has contributed to several major media outlets before joining ChiTown Daily News. Ethan believes that local journalism is the backbone of a thriving democracy and is committed to delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful news to the community. When he's not chasing a story or attending city council meetings, Ethan enjoys photography, biking along Lake Michigan, and exploring Chicago's vibrant food scene.
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