Name: Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest

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If you’re craving a treat that captures sunshine on a plate, then Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies are just what you need. With their soft, fudgy crumb and vibrant lemon flavor, these bars put a zippy, tangy spin on classic brownies and are perfect for every spring picnic or summertime get-together. The fresh citrus glaze seeps into the cracks, sealing in flavor so that every bite sings. There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet, tart, and buttery—this is a dessert destined to become your new go-to favorite.

Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of chewy richness and uplifting zing. No complicated shopping list here—just a handful of kitchen staples working magic together.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the tender bite you want in every brownie bar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a delicate, crackly top.
Unsalted butter: Adds incredible richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and lend that fudgy, dense consistency.
Fresh lemon juice: Packs these bars with unmistakable, real-lemon brightness—freshly squeezed is a must.
Lemon zest: Dials up the citrus punch and gives a wonderful aroma; don’t skimp on this!
Baking powder: Lifts the brownies just enough for a pleasant, chewy lift.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors—just a pinch does wonders.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Melts into the glaze for velvety smoothness and just the right sweetness.
More lemon juice & zest (for the glaze): This ties everything together, saturating each bite with fresh lemon intensity.

How to Make Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Doing this ensures your Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies will lift out easily and have neat, beautiful edges—plus, it minimizes cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, cream together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. This should take about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, setting the stage for incredibly tender brownies that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Zest

Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and toss in the fragrant lemon zest. This infusion creates the unmistakable citrus foundation that makes Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies stand out from the crowd.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step disperses the leavening and seasoning evenly, so you’ll get that signature rise and perfect balance in every bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix. Just blend until smooth and streak-free. Overmixing can make the brownies tough—so a light hand keeps the texture beautifully fudgy.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Test with a toothpick: you want to see moist crumbs, not wet batter. Every oven is different, so keep a close eye near the end for that perfect doneness.

Step 7: Glaze While Warm

Let the brownies cool just slightly—about 10 minutes—then whisk together powdered sugar, more fresh lemon juice, and additional zest to make a vibrant glaze. Pour the glaze over the warm brownies so it seeps into every nook, setting into a shiny, sweet-tart finish as they cool.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the glaze has set, lift the brownies from the pan using your parchment sling, and slice into squares. This is the moment you’ll experience the chewy, citrus-scented magic of your Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies!

How to Serve Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes elevate these bars from snack to showstopper. Dust a wisp of powdered sugar over the glaze for a delicate, snowy effect. Try a few strands of extra lemon zest for eye-catching color and even more fragrance. Fresh berries nestled alongside add a lovely pop of red or blue and a fruity contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies with something creamy, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a sophisticated afternoon tea, offer a platter of sliced strawberries and fresh mint. Even a simple mug of herbal tea or iced lemonade will complement their bright flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or picnics, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered cake stand. You can also serve them in colorful cupcake liners for easy, portable treats. For special occasions, drizzle with white chocolate or arrange them in a checkerboard pattern on a tray with other citrus desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the brownies have cooled completely and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and flavorful for up to four days without drying out, making them perfect for lunchboxes or last-minute guests.

Freezing

Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies freeze beautifully! Simply cut them into squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place all wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor for two months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love a warm dessert, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. The glaze will soften slightly, and the texture will become almost gooey again, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice truly makes a difference in both flavor and aroma, giving these Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies their lively, sunny character. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but the brightness won’t be quite the same, so fresh is highly recommended.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to remove just the yellow part of the skin—avoiding the bitter white pith. Collect the zest over a bowl to catch the flavorful oils that waft up and add them right in for peak citrus impact.

Can I add other citrus flavors?

Absolutely! A touch of orange zest or even a splash of lime can add another dimension and really personalize your Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies. Just keep the lemon flavor dominant to preserve their signature zing.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The key is to check with a toothpick after about 20 minutes of baking. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, your brownies are ready. Avoid overbaking—they’re meant to be fudgy rather than cakey.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double everything and use a 9×13-inch pan for a big batch. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take an extra 5–10 minutes. These are crowd-pleasing bars, so making more is always a good idea!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong lemon lover or simply looking for a new crowd-pleasing dessert, the zingy, golden crumb and luscious glaze of these Zesty Citrus-Infused Lemon Brownies will win you over with every bite. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll reach for this recipe every time you want to add a little sunshine to your table.