Lemon Brownie Bars

Lemon brownie bars always remind me of a sunny afternoon when I wanted something sweet but not overly rich. I remember standing in my kitchen, looking at a bowl of lemons, and thinking – what if I mixed the richness of brownies with the brightness of citrus? Since then, this recipe has become my go-to when I want something zesty and comforting all at once.

Because lemon brownie bars are both tangy and fudgy, they’re perfect for summer gatherings or just a weekday pick-me-up. The fresh lemon zest cuts through the deep chocolate notes in a way that surprises everyone in the best way. Each bite brings a little sunshine to your plate and I truly can’t wait for you to try it too!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – Gives the bars structure while keeping them soft.
• Cocoa powder – Adds that rich, chocolatey base.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and give the bars a light rise.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the lemon.
• Unsalted butter – Helps with moisture and flavor depth.
• Fresh lemon zest – Adds a punchy, fragrant citrus note.
• Lemon juice – Brings brightness and tanginess to balance the richness.
• Baking powder – Just a touch to lift the bars.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Lemon slices and zest – For garnish and extra flair on top!
• Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls – I use separate ones for wet and dry ingredients to keep things smooth.
• Electric mixer or whisk – Helps me blend the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Zester or microplane – Essential for getting all that fragrant lemon zest.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters with brownies!
• 8×8-inch baking pan – Gives the bars a nice thickness.
• Parchment paper – Makes removing and slicing the bars super easy.
• Spatula – Perfect for folding everything together without overmixing.
• Knife – For slicing clean, square bars once they’re cooled.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, I whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar until the mix looks creamy and slightly fluffy.

Step 3:

Then, I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon juice and lemon zest, blending until everything is fully combined.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, I stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5:

I slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, using a spatula to fold it gently. I’m careful not to overmix so the texture stays soft and fudgy.

Step 6:

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Then, I bake it for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7:

Once out of the oven, I let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then I use the parchment overhang to lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8:

For a final touch, I garnish the cooled bars with fresh lemon zest and thin lemon slices before slicing into squares.

Tips

If you want an extra zing, I sometimes add a touch of lemon extract to the batter. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a pretty finish. And if you’re craving more texture, chopped white chocolate folded into the batter works beautifully!

Ways to Serve

I love serving these bars chilled with a hot cup of tea. They also make great picnic desserts or lunchbox treats. For a fancy twist, try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Lemon Brownie Bars?

Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Do Lemon Brownie Bars taste more like brownies or lemon bars?

They’re a delicious fusion! You get the dense chewiness of a brownie with the bright citrus punch of lemon bars.

Can I make Lemon Brownie Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely – just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum.

How long do Lemon Brownie Bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days at room temperature.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these lemon brownie bars a try! They’re one of my favorite flavor twists on the classic brownie and perfect for any time of year. Let me know how yours turn out and feel free to share your photos and tips. And if you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to save it for later or share it with friends!

Happy Cooking!

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