Easy Lemon Brownies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love lemon desserts, these lemon brownies will quickly become a favorite! They’re rich and fudgy, offering a burst of lemony goodness in every bite. The cake mix shortcut makes them easy to prepare, and the lemon glaze adds a glossy, zesty finish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownies. It’s a light yet satisfying treat that will brighten up your day!

Ingredients

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

• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)

• 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (add more if needed for desired consistency)

• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Directions

For the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, dry pudding mix, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything until smooth.

3. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

4. Bake the brownies for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs (no wet batter).

5. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and allow them to cool completely.

For the Glaze:

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a few more drops of lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.

2. Once the brownies have cooled, slice them into squares and drizzle the glaze over the top.

3. Optional: Garnish with extra lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 squares

• Prep Time: 12 minutes

• Cook Time: 24 minutes

• Total Time: 36 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other cake mixes, but using yellow cake mix helps create a rich, fudgy texture. White or vanilla cake mixes are also good options.

2. Can I add more lemon zest to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of lemon zest based on how strong you want the citrus flavor to be.

3. Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more lemon juice until it reaches the consistency you desire.

4. Can I freeze these lemon brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing.

5. How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies should be puffed up, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

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

Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work as a substitute if you don’t have fresh lemons.

7. Can I use a 9-inch pan instead of an 8-inch pan?

Yes, but the brownies will be thinner. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

8. How should I serve these lemon brownies?

These lemon brownies can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a simple snack.

9. Can I make these lemon brownies without the glaze?

Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own without the glaze. However, the glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the lemony brownies beautifully.

10. How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, store them in the fridge.

Conclusion

These Lemon Brownies are an irresistible, tangy treat that combines the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and a sweet, citrusy glaze. Quick to prepare and absolutely bursting with flavor, they’re a perfect dessert for lemon lovers. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as an everyday snack, these lemon brownies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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