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Best Fudgy Lemon Brownies with Bright Tangy Glaze

Close-up of a fudgy lemon brownies square showing the dark chocolate base, bright yellow lemon layer, and white drizzle icing.

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Make these fudgy lemon brownies for a refreshing, zesty dessert. This easy recipe delivers a moist, dense texture and a bright lemon glaze that balances sweet and tart perfectly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
  • For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until fully combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until incorporated.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the white chocolate chips, if using.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  9. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for a fudgy texture.
  11. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice for a thinner consistency.
  12. Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the tangy lemon glaze evenly over the top.
  13. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For the fudgiest lemon brownies, avoid overbaking. Check them early; they should remain slightly underdone in the center when you remove them.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor in your lemonies dessert.
  • If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.

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