Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with rich, fudgy goodness, these Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, these brownies capture the essence of spring and sunshine in every bite, while delivering that decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave from a classic brownie. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful twist that will brighten any dessert table and have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet precisely chosen to create that unique combination of fudgy texture and vibrant lemon flavor. Each element plays an essential role, from the warm melted butter that delivers richness to the fresh lemon zest that infuses a natural citrus aroma.
- 1¼ cups all purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping your brownies tender and soft.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Adds a delicate lightness and helps achieve that perfect fudgy crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and lemon tang.
- 1¼ cups white granulated sugar: Sweetens and, when rubbed with zest, helps intensify the lemon flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest: Bursting with citrus oils, it’s the star ingredient that makes these brownies truly shine.
- ¾ cup warm melted unsalted butter: Warm but not hot, it blends flawlessly for a smooth batter.
- 1 tbsp unflavored vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies extra moist and fudgy.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Creates structure while adding richness.
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Injects a fresh, bright tartness that complements the sweetness.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the perfect sweet and shiny lemon glaze.
- 1½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Mixed into the glaze for that final citrus punch.
How to Make Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180 °C (350°F) and grease an 8×8 inch square cake tin. Line it with parchment paper with an overhang on two sides – this handy trick ensures you can effortlessly lift the baked brownies out without breaking them. Proper preparation here sets you up for success and an easy clean-up later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and salt to ensure everything is evenly mixed and light, which helps your brownies have that perfect fudgy, yet tender texture. Set this mixture aside so it’s ready when your wet ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest
Place the granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest in a large bowl. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar until it’s lightly tinted yellow and aromatic. This simple step wakes up the sugar with that lemony fragrance, giving your Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies a bright, fresh complexity.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the warm melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the lemon-infused sugar. Whisk gently until smooth and combined, but be careful not to overmix. You want to avoid trapping air bubbles that could change the fudgy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Gently fold together with a spatula just until there are no flour streaks left. This delicate technique helps maintain the dense, fudgy consistency that makes these brownies so irresistibly chewy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the thin batter into your prepared pan and give it a little shake to level it out. Drop the pan lightly on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean, with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. This is key to preventing overbaking and maintaining that luscious fudgy center.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Glaze
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan—this takes about 1 to 2 hours but is crucial for clean slicing later. Once cooled, use the parchment edges to lift the brownies out gently. Then, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a thick but spreadable glaze, which adds a sweet-tart finish that perfectly complements the rich brownies.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Spread the lemon glaze evenly over the top of your brownies and let it set for 30 minutes to an hour. When the glaze is no longer sticky to touch, slice and get ready to dive into these divine Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies that balance indulgence with a refreshing citrus zing.
How to Serve Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin strips of lemon zest adds a pretty, fresh touch. For a stunning presentation, try sprinkling some finely chopped pistachios or edible flowers—these garnishes add a lovely texture contrast and vibrant color.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a heavenly balance of creamy and tangy flavors. A fresh berry compote also pairs wonderfully, echoing the citrus notes in a juicy, luscious way.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn these Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies into bite-sized dessert bars perfect for parties? Cut smaller squares and serve them on a decorative platter paired with fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, layering brownie pieces with lemon curd and whipped cream in clear glasses creates an impressive trifle-style dessert that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and perfect for snacking the next day without losing that fudgy texture or fresh lemon zing.
Freezing
If you want to preserve these brownies for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the brownies and revives the luscious, fudgy feel while refreshing the lemon glaze without melting it away completely.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
While lemon extract can provide lemon flavor, fresh lemon juice is essential for the bright acidity and moist texture in this recipe. For the best Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended.
How do I know when my brownies are perfectly fudgy?
Look for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean. This indicates a fudgy interior rather than a cakey one, which is exactly what this recipe aims for.
Can I substitute the cornstarch with something else?
Cornstarch helps lighten the texture, but if you don’t have it, you can replace it with an equal amount of flour. Just keep in mind it might make the brownies slightly denser.
Do I have to let the brownies cool before glazing?
Yes, letting the brownies cool completely ensures the glaze won’t melt and run off, creating a beautiful, firm topping that contrasts nicely with the fudgy base.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Results might vary slightly, but you should still get delicious, fudgy lemon brownies.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies are truly one of those magical recipes that combine simplicity with show-stopping flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special yet effortless. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, these irresistible brownies will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.
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Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (about 3x3 inch squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Fudgy Lemon Brownies combine the rich, dense texture of traditional brownies with a bright, tangy lemon flavor. Perfectly moist and fudgy, they are topped with a smooth lemon glaze that adds a refreshing citrus finish. This delightful treat is simple to make and perfect for any occasion when you crave a citrusy twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups white granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (See note 1)
- ¾ cup warm melted unsalted butter (make sure the butter is warm, not hot or cold)
- 1 tbsp unflavored vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract/essence
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (icing/confectioners sugar)
- 1½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350°F) conventional. Grease an 8×8 inch square cake tin and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides to easily lift out the brownies later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest: In a large bowl, add the white granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers for about 30 seconds until the sugar takes on a light yellow tint.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the warm melted butter, vegetable oil, room temperature eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the lemon-sugar mixture. Whisk gently until smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid incorporating excess air.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain fudgy texture.
- Bake the Batter: Pour the thin batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top, then lightly shake and drop the pan on the counter twice to remove air bubbles. Bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 1 to 2 hours to set properly.
- Release Brownies from Pan: Run a thin knife along the exposed edges without parchment paper, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan carefully.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Stir until the glaze is smooth, thick but still spreadable.
- Glaze and Serve: Evenly spread the lemon glaze over the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes to an hour until it is firm to the touch, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best aromatic flavor.
- If using a convection oven with a fan, reduce the temperature to 160-170 °C (320-340°F) to prevent overbaking.
- Adjust the lemon glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar if too thin, or more lemon juice if too thick for easy spreading.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze doesn’t melt or soak in.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 3×3 inch square)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: lemon brownies, fudgy lemon brownies, lemon dessert, lemon glaze brownies, easy lemon brownie recipe
