Easy Lemon Blondies are a bright and tangy twist on the classic blondie, blending the chewy, buttery texture you love with a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
Perfect for spring and summer, these treats strike a balance between sweet and citrusy, making them refreshing yet indulgent. With simple ingredients like lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and butter, they come together quickly and bake to golden perfection.
Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, each bite melts in your mouth with sunshine-like sweetness. Whether served at picnics, brunches, or as an afternoon snack, these lemon blondies are guaranteed to lift your mood.
Bright, tangy, and sweet with a soft, fudgy texture, Easy Lemon Blondies are the perfect dessert for lemon lovers. Unlike brownies, which are all about chocolate, blondies use brown or white sugar as their base and can be flavored in countless ways.
In this version, fresh lemon juice and zest make them vibrant, refreshing, and irresistible. They’re also simple enough to whip up on a weekday but elegant enough to serve at brunch, tea parties, or as a sunny spring dessert.
Easy Lemon Blondies Recipe
Description
Easy Lemon Blondies are a bright and zesty twist on the classic blondie, combining the chewy, buttery texture of a brownie’s cousin with the refreshing tang of fresh lemon juice and zest.
These bars are perfect for spring and summer, offering a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that balances richness with lightness.
Topped with a lemon glaze, they shine at picnics, tea parties, or as an afternoon treat. Simple to make in one bowl, they require minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor.
A true crowd-pleaser, these lemon blondies bring sunshine to your dessert table in every soft, golden bite.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Glaze:
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang so you can lift the blondies out easily after baking. This makes for neater slices and less cleanup.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. At this stage, the mixture will smell fresh and citrusy — that’s a good sign you’ve got enough lemon flavor.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix only until combined; overmixing can lead to tough blondies instead of tender, fudgy squares.
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Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Remember, blondies firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
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Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the blondies cool completely in the pan. If you glaze them while warm, the glaze will melt into the blondies instead of sitting on top in a pretty layer.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. You want a pourable but not runny consistency — it should coat the back of a spoon. Stir in lemon zest for extra brightness.
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Pour the glaze over the cooled blondies and spread it evenly. Let the glaze set for about 20–30 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 9
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 185kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 19g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Easy Lemon Blondies are the perfect marriage of a chewy blondie texture and the bright, tangy freshness of lemon.
They’re buttery, sweet, and lightly tart, making them a refreshing twist on the classic chocolate blondie.
While they may look simple, there are several little details that can make them go from “good” to “bakery-quality.”
Baking Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blondies
1. Use Fresh Lemons for Maximum Flavor
Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and acidic without the complexity of fresh fruit. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated zest will give your blondies a vibrant citrus punch. Always zest your lemon before juicing—it’s much easier to handle that way.
2. Balance Sweetness and Tartness
Lemon can be assertive, so pair it with just the right amount of sugar. If you prefer a tangier bar, reduce sugar slightly in the blondie base but keep the glaze sweet to create a balanced bite.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Blondies rely on a dense, chewy texture. Overmixing once you add the flour can incorporate too much air and result in a cake-like crumb instead of that signature chewiness. Mix until just combined.
4. Control Moisture
Too much liquid from the lemon juice can make blondies soggy. Always follow the recipe’s measurements exactly, and if your lemons are especially juicy, measure the juice instead of guessing.
5. Glaze While Slightly Warm
For a glossy, flavorful finish, pour the glaze over the blondies while they’re still slightly warm (but not hot). This helps it soak in a little without melting away completely.
Extra Flavor Boosters
- Vanilla extract softens the tartness and deepens the overall flavor.
- A pinch of salt in both the batter and glaze balances the sweetness.
- White chocolate chips stirred into the batter add creamy pockets that pair well with lemon.
- Poppy seeds can be added for a charming bakery-style look and a slight crunch.
Serving Tricks
1. Cut with Precision
For clean, professional-looking squares, chill the blondies for 20–30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean after each cut.
2. Presentation Matters
Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or add thin curls of lemon zest for an elegant touch. Serving them on a pastel plate or a rustic wooden board makes them even more inviting.
3. Pairing with Beverages
- Afternoon tea – Serve with Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a relaxing break.
- Coffee – The bitterness of coffee complements the lemon’s brightness.
- Iced tea or lemonade – Double down on the citrus theme for a summer refreshment.
4. Layered Dessert Option
Use lemon blondies as the base of a layered trifle—cut them into cubes, layer with whipped cream and berries, and refrigerate before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration – Extends freshness up to 5 days; the chill can make them firmer.
- Freezing – Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you’re hosting an event, you can bake the blondies the night before, glaze them in the morning, and they’ll still be fresh for serving.
When to Serve Them
Lemon blondies are versatile—they work for:
- Spring picnics for their bright flavor.
- Summer barbecues as a light dessert after grilled foods.
- Holiday cookie platters as a citrusy contrast to rich chocolate treats.
- Bridal showers or tea parties for their pretty, cheerful look.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons – Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh, aromatic oils from the zest that make these blondies shine.
- Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer tangier blondies, reduce the sugar slightly in the batter or increase the lemon juice in the glaze.
- Texture Control – For fudgier blondies, bake on the shorter end of the suggested time; for cakier blondies, bake a little longer.
- Serving Ideas – Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing).
Why This Recipe Works
- Butter for richness: Using melted butter makes the blondies dense and fudgy rather than airy.
- Lemon zest + juice: The zest provides aromatic oils that give depth to the citrus flavor, while the juice adds brightness and tang.
- Glaze on top: The lemon glaze doubles the citrus punch and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Estimated Cost & Serving Details
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Cooking Method: Baking
- Estimated Cost: Around $6–$9 (U.S.) for 12–16 pieces
- Estimated Time: 45–60 minutes total (including cooling and glazing)
- Servings: 12–16 pieces
- Best Season: Spring and summer for a refreshing citrus flavor, but great year-round for lemon fans
Final Thoughts
These Easy Lemon Blondies are the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe after just one bite. The balance between sweet and tangy keeps them from feeling too heavy, and the texture is soft but substantial. They’re perfect for picnics, bake sales, bridal showers, or simply brightening up a rainy afternoon. Best of all, they require no special equipment — just a bowl, a whisk, and a pan.
If you’re looking for a quick dessert that still feels homemade and indulgent, these blondies deserve a spot in your baking rotation. They’ll quickly become a go-to favorite whenever you want something both comforting and refreshing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are lemon blondies, and how are they different from brownies?
Lemon blondies are a soft, chewy dessert bar similar in texture to brownies, but instead of cocoa or chocolate, they’re flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest.
The “blondie” name comes from their pale, golden color and buttery, vanilla-like base, which is brightened with tangy citrus for a refreshing twist.
Unlike lemon bars, which have a custard-like topping, lemon blondies are denser and often topped with a lemon glaze.
How do I make them soft and chewy instead of dry?
The key to soft, chewy lemon blondies is to avoid overbaking. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Using room-temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth batter, and a touch of cornstarch can improve tenderness. Also, don’t skimp on the lemon zest—it adds moisture and flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time or freeze them?
Yes! Lemon blondies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and optionally add fresh glaze for extra brightness.
Can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Absolutely. If you prefer a sweeter blondie, reduce the lemon juice slightly and increase the sugar. For a tangier bite, use extra zest or add a bit more lemon juice to the glaze.
You can also experiment with other citrus flavors like lime or orange for a fun twist while keeping the same base recipe.
