INTRODUCTION
Bright, tart lemon brownies bring a sunny taste to any table. These are easy to make and use a simple cake mix and lemon pudding to give you a soft, moist bar with real lemon flavor. You will get the tang of lemon in the cake and a sweet lemon glaze on top. The glaze adds shine and more lemon taste without much work.
This recipe works for quick snacks, a weeknight dessert, or a small party treat. You can follow the steps and get good results even if you do not bake often. If you like to pair desserts with a warm drink, try these brownies with a cozy coffee drink while you read. The coffee and lemon play well together.
This article shows you how to make the Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze) step by step. I will list the tools, the exact items you need, and tips to keep the bars soft and bright. Follow the simple steps and you will have lemon brownies that taste fresh and look nice on the plate.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for a few clear reasons. First, it is fast. The mix and pudding cut cook time, but you still get a fresh lemon taste. Second, it is forgiving. Even if your oven runs a bit hot or you mix a little more, the batter is forgiving and the bars turn out moist. Third, it tastes like lemon without being too sharp. The glaze balances the tartness with sweetness.
Many people like lemon desserts that are too sour or too sweet. These brownies find a middle ground. They have real lemon juice and a little zest so they taste fresh. The powdered sugar glaze gives a bright finish that looks pretty and adds the right sweet lift.
If you ever want a different beverage pairing, try pairing a lemon dessert with an earthy, mellow drink like mushroom coffee. The contrast can be nice for a calm morning treat. This recipe makes a good base for new ideas and small changes, and it stays simple to make.
HOW TO MAKE Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze)
This recipe uses cake mix and lemon pudding mix. The lemon juice and zest give fresh flavor. You will mix everything in one bowl and bake in a square pan. The glaze is just powdered sugar and lemon juice. It only takes a few minutes to whisk.
Start by lining the pan and preheating the oven. Mix the dry cake mix with the lemon pudding and add the lemon juice, eggs, and zest. Beat until smooth. Pour into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the bars before adding the glaze. Slice and add a little zest if you like a bright look.
The method is quick and direct. You do not need special skills. Follow the step-by-step list in the next section to get the best result.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for glaze
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more if needed for desired consistency)
- lemon zest for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, lemon pudding mix, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest using an electric hand mixer.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more lemon juice if necessary.
- Once the brownies have cooled, slice them into squares, drizzle the glaze on top, and sprinkle with lemon zest.
HOW TO SERVE Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze)
Serve these lemon brownies at room temperature for the best texture. The glaze sets and keeps a thin, sweet crust that looks neat. Place a few squares on a small plate and add a light dusting of extra lemon zest for color.
You can also warm a brownie for a few seconds in the microwave to soften it just before serving. Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of whipped cream for a richer treat. For a lighter option, serve with fresh berries to match the lemon notes.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze)
Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them on a single layer or between sheets of parchment to avoid sticking. The glaze will remain soft and fresh for a couple of days.
For longer storage, freeze the brownies unglazed. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then add the glaze before serving to keep the surface bright and fresh.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a light drizzle of the lemon glaze for a warm-and-cold contrast.
- Serve with fresh raspberries or blueberries to add color and a bit of tartness.
- Make small squares for a tea party tray or cookie exchange.
- For a holiday or adult treat, serve with a warm or spiked coffee like spiked coffee for holiday mornings. The mix of lemon and warm coffee is festive and simple to make.
VARIATIONS
- Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop small spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese on the batter before baking and swirl gently for a creamy bite.
- Lighter Glaze: Use half powdered sugar and half plain yogurt for a tangier, lighter drizzle. Add a teaspoon of honey if you want more sweetness.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for texture and classic lemon-poppy flavor.
- Berry Layer: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the batter before baking for a fruity layer that pairs well with lemon.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix labeled for baking to make these safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Fresh lemon juice gives the best bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. If you use bottled juice, taste the batter and adjust zest to boost fresh lemon notes.
Q: Can I make these in a different pan size?
A: You can, but bake time may change. A larger pan will give thinner bars and a shorter bake time. A smaller pan will need more time. Watch the toothpick test for doneness.
Q: How do I stop the glaze from being too runny?
A: Add powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency. If it is too thick, add a small extra drop of lemon juice, not more than a teaspoon at a time.
Q: Can I skip the pudding mix?
A: The pudding mix helps keep the brownies moist and adds lemon flavor. You can skip it, but texture and flavor will change. You can add a little sour cream or yogurt as a substitute for moisture.
Q: Will these be too lemony for kids?
A: The flavor is bright but balanced. If you worry about tartness, reduce lemon juice in the batter by a tablespoon and keep the glaze normal. Kids tend to like the sweet glaze.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: To make a vegan version, look for egg replacers and a vegan yellow cake mix. The results will differ, so test one batch first.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Best Lemon Brownies Recipe (With Lemony Glaze)
You can make the brownies a day ahead and add the glaze on the day you serve them. Keep the plain cooled bars in an airtight container in a cool place. Glaze right before serving so it stays bright.
If you want to prepare further ahead, freeze the unglazed squares as suggested. Thaw, then glaze and serve. You can also make the glaze and keep it in the fridge for a day. Stir it well before using. If the glaze thickens in the fridge, add a few drops of lemon juice to reach the right texture.
When you prepare for a party, bake the day before and slice them the same day. This saves time and keeps the glaze fresh. Simple steps like lining the pan with parchment and cooling the bars fully help make the day-of work smooth and quick.
Best Lemon Brownies with Lemony Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, lemon pudding mix, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest using an electric hand mixer.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more lemon juice if necessary.
- Once the brownies have cooled, slice them into squares, drizzle the glaze on top, and sprinkle with lemon zest.