These Glazed Lemon Brownies are the perfect treat for spring and summer. Every bite is refreshing and bursting with lemon flavor while also having the fudgy, indulgent texture of a brownie.

Sliced Lemon Brownies topped with the glaze and one on it's side.

I’ve always been a fan of brownies.

And these Lemon Brownies bring that love to a whole new level.

The lemon flavor in the brownies and glaze bring a bright and refreshing aspect in each bite. However, the texture is indulgent and fudgy like a typical brownie.

It is the perfect dessert to make during the spring and summer months!

Main Ingredients

Ingredients measured out in bowls to make Glazed Lemon Brownies.

Best Oils For Baking and their Differences

Most-Known Oils for Baking

The two most known oils for baking are canola oil and vegetable oil. Both are great for baking because of their neutral flavor.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is seen as a healthier option because it is lower in saturated fat than vegetable oil.

Vegetable Oil

It is reported that vegetable oils are made of some combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fat.

Healthier Oil Options for Baking

These days, there are a variety of oil options that you can use that are “healthier”. These are: avocado oil, olive oil and coconut oil.

Avocado Oil

Recently, avocado oil has been my go-to for baking and melting with chocolate. It’s a great neutral oil with some nutritional benefits.

I have used avocado oil in my Chocolate Cake Pops and Dubai Chocolate Strawberries for melting the chocolate.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil is one of my favorites to bake with because it pairs so well with chocolate and personally, I am a huge fan of olive oil cakes.

However, you want to make sure you use a light olive oil as anything too robust may be off-putting.

I use olive oil in quite a few recipes but the most popular ones are my Vegan Mini Olive Oil Cake, Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake, Gluten Free Olive Oil Cake and Chocolate Cake for Two.

Coconut Oil

I would use this oil if it’s needed on small amounts or will go well with the flavor of the baked good as it can have a stronger flavor than the other oils.

I use coconut oil in a many recipes, such as Pistachio Chocolate Bars and Healthy Peanut Butter Cups.

How to Make Lemon Brownies with a Lemon Glaze

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and lemon zest
  3. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the zest throughout the sugar. Rub your fingers together as if you’re massaging the zest into the sugar (Note: This creates a more even distribution instead of clumping in the batter)
  4. Add in the remaining liquid ingredients and whisk until fully combined
  5. Fold in the flour until just combined, you don’t want to overmix the batter
  6. Line a square 8×8 pan with parchment paper for easy removal (however, you can also grease with nonstick spray)
  7. Transfer the batter to the pan and spread in an even layer
  8. Bake at 350 degrees F for 27-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean
  9. Take the brownies out of the oven and let the brownies sit in the pan for 15 minutes
  10. Remove the brownies from the pan to cool completely on a cooling rack
  11. While cooling, make the lemon glaze
  12. Once fully cooled, slowly pour over the glaze. Use an offset spatula or knife to spread the glaze out in an even layer
  13. Let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes
  14. Slice the brownies
  15. Enjoy!
Pour the granulated sugar into a large, mixing bowl
Add the lemon zest and rub it into the sugar with your fingers
Next, add the vanilla extract
And the lemon juice
Add the eggs
And melted butter
Mix using a whisk until combined
Add the dry ingredients
Fold into the batter until combined
Transfer to the pan
Spread in an even layer
Bake
Let the brownies cool completely
Pour over the glaze
Let the glaze rest before slicing
Slice
Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be made gluten-free friendly?

Yes! Swap out the All Purpose Flour for a Gluten Free All Purpose Flour at a 1:1 ratio.

Why doesn’t the recipe use any baking powder/baking soda?

You want the brownies to remain more fudge-like and dense. Most brownie recipes don’t use any baking powder and baking soda.

Do I have to add lemon zest?

Yes, it adds the perfect amount of lemon flavor in every bite. It is worth the extra effort!

How do I know the brownies are done baking?

When a toothpick comes out of the center clean. The edges will also be slightly golden.

What is the best way to store leftover Lemon Brownies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for 7 days.

Sliced Lemon Brownies topped with the glaze and one on it's side.
Sliced Lemon Brownies topped with the glaze and one on it's side.

Glazed Lemon Brownies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
These Glazed Lemon Brownies are the perfect treat for spring and summer. Every bite is refreshing and bursting with lemon flavor while also having the fudgy, indulgent texture of a brownie.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 3/4 cup Salted Butter, melted and warm
  • 1 tbsp Oil, Avocado, Vegetable or Canola Oil
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and lemon zest
  • Use your fingers to evenly distribute the zest throughout the sugar. Rub your fingers together as if you're massaging the zest into the sugar (Note: This creates a more even distribution instead of clumping in the batter)
  • Add in the remaining liquid ingredients and whisk until fully combined
  • Fold in the flour until just combined, you don't want to overmix the batter
  • Line a square 8×8 pan with parchment paper for easy removal (however, you can also grease with nonstick spray)
  • Transfer the batter to the pan and spread in an even layer
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 27-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean
  • Take the brownies out of the oven and let the brownies sit in the pan for 15 minutes
  • Remove the brownies from the pan to cool completely on a cooling rack
  • While cooling, make the lemon glaze
  • Once fully cooled, slowly pour over the glaze. Use an offset spatula or knife to spread the glaze out in an even layer
  • Let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes
  • Slice the brownies
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 207kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 77mg, Potassium: 27mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 296IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: best brownies, Brownie Recipes, Fruit Desserts, Lemon Brownies, lemon desserts, Spring Baking, spring dessert, Spring Recipe, Spring Treats

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