Lemon Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dessert that hits that perfect balance between tart and sweet, these Lemon Brownie Bars deliver. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, these bars boast a vibrant lemon flavor with a soft, fudgy texture—making them an unexpected crowd-pleaser at picnics, brunches, or any gathering where you want to impress.

Their delightful citrus zing, crave-worthy chewiness, and ease of preparation make them a must-try for anyone in search of something refreshingly different.

Why Lemon Brownie Bars Stand Out

The uniqueness of Lemon Brownie Bars lies in their texture: as moist and dense as classic brownies but bursting with bright lemon essence. The addition of a simple lemon glaze gives each bite an extra pop and a glossy finish, setting them apart from other bar desserts.

Their simplicity means you can whip these up without a mixer or fancy equipment. It’s a straightforward, foolproof recipe everyone will love, from citrus fans to dessert skeptics.

The Key to Perfect Lemon Flavor

To achieve the boldest lemon kick, use both lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice. Employing a quality zester and juicer ensures you get maximum flavor without bitterness. Once mixed with the sugar, the lemon infuses the entire batter, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy.

For best results, measure your ingredients precisely. A digital kitchen scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel guarantees accuracy, resulting in consistent and perfectly textured bars every time.

Baking and Assembling Lemon Brownie Bars

Lining your baking pan with a reliable parchment paper such as the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll ensures your brownies lift out cleanly, keeping those pretty edges intact.

Mixing is a simple affair: combine wet and dry ingredients by hand—no heavy machinery necessary. Gently fold in the dry mixture to avoid overmixing, and use a flexible spatula for even spreading in your pan.

For the finest lemon glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle and spread atop the cooled bars for a glossy, tangy finish.

Serving and Storing Lemon Brownie Bars

Let the Lemon Brownie Bars cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts. Store them in airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh and chewy for days.

They make a striking addition to dessert platters—just place them on a fresh white disposable tablecloth such as the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White for easy cleanup, whether you’re celebrating indoors or out.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 16 Lemon Brownie Bars. Each serving is approximately 135 calories, depending on your exact ingredient brands and glaze thickness. It’s a treat with zing, best enjoyed as a bright finish to a meal!

Lemon Brownie Bars Recipe (Recap)

Zingy, tender, and easy to make, these Lemon Brownie Bars combine a crowd-pleasing texture with aromatic citrus flavor—sure to bring a little sunshine to any dessert table.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, lemon zest, and melted butter until fragrant and well combined.
3. Whisk in eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges just begin to turn golden. To check for doneness, insert a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking or toothpick into the center; a few moist crumbs are perfect.
6. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift out.
7. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more juice (or zest) as needed until smooth and pourable. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
8. Let glaze set for 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a long, sharp knife—wipe the blade between cuts for cleaner slices.
9. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling and glazing)