Best Lemon Brownies With Lemony Glaze

These fudgy lemon brownies are the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Made with a cake mix base and a tangy lemon glaze, these brownies are bursting with fresh lemon flavor. They’re quick to make and ideal for anyone who loves citrus desserts. The rich lemon glaze on top gives the brownies an extra layer of sweetness and zest, making them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. With a soft, fudgy texture and an intense lemon flavor, they are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. The added lemon glaze provides a perfectly sweet and tart finish that makes every bite refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just for a quick dessert, these lemon brownies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker)

• 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more if needed)

• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Brownies:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

• In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the yellow cake mix, lemon pudding mix, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

2. Bake the Brownies:

• Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely.

3. Prepare the Glaze:

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If needed, adjust the consistency with a few more drops of lemon juice to get a drizzle-able texture.

4. Glaze the Brownies:

• Once the brownies are completely cooled, cut them into squares and drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for extra zing and decoration.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the brownies at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat. Enjoy the burst of tangy lemon flavor in every bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 servings

• Prep Time: 12 minutes

• Cook Time: 24 minutes

• Total Time: 36 minutes

Variations

• Add Blueberries: For a fruity twist, add fresh or frozen blueberries to the brownie batter before baking.

• Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based egg substitute and dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version of these brownies.

• Add Poppy Seeds: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of poppy seeds into the batter for a lemon-poppy seed variation.

• Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace some of the lemon juice with lime juice for a lemon-lime glaze and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• To keep the glaze fresh, store it separately and drizzle over the brownies right before serving.

• You can also freeze the brownies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?

Yes, fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work fine in a pinch.

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

You can experiment with a white or lemon cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a slightly different texture, but yellow cake mix gives a nice richness to the flavor.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making them even more delicious!

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when they are slightly golden on the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of these lemon brownies.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness. For a thinner glaze, add a few more drops of lemon juice.

Can I add more lemon zest to the brownies or glaze?

Absolutely! If you love a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest to both the brownie batter and glaze for an extra citrus kick.

Conclusion

These Best Lemon Brownies with Lemony Glaze are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich. With a fudgy texture and burst of lemon flavor, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. The zesty glaze and optional lemon zest garnish elevate the brownies to an irresistible level of deliciousness. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!