If you are on the hunt for a dessert that bursts with bright, cheerful flavor and melts in your mouth with every bite, then this Lemon Blondies Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine buttery, soft blondies infused with tangy lemon zest and juice, topped with a glossy lemon glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. This magical combination will brighten any afternoon snack or sweet ending to a meal. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a zingy twist on a classic bar, these Lemon Blondies offer a delightful flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Lemon Blondies lies in a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend together for an unforgettable taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the tender crumb provided by the butter and eggs to the zesty punch brought by fresh lemons.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup melted: Acts as the rich, moist base giving the blondies their tender texture.
- Granulated sugar, 2 cups: Sweetens the batter and ensures a perfect balance against lemon’s tartness.
- Large eggs, 4: Bind everything together and add structure without weighing down the bars.
- Lemon zest, 2 tablespoons: Provides a fragrant, citrusy burst that brightens the entire blondie.
- Fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons for glaze: Adds natural tang and sharpness, essential for that classic lemon flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The foundation that gives the bars their body while keeping them soft and chewy.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Gives just the right lift so the blondies aren’t dense.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
- Powdered sugar, 2 cups: Whisked with lemon juice to create a smooth, tangy glaze for topping.
How to Make Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures your blondies bake evenly and lift out cleanly when they’re done.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This base creates the rich texture characteristic of lemon blondies, so take a moment to enjoy watching those ingredients come together.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Incorporate four large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process incorporates air and helps the blondies achieve a lovely, soft crumb once baked.
Step 4: Stir in the Lemon Zest and Juice
Next, fold in the fresh lemon zest and the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. This infusion is what sets this Lemon Blondies Recipe apart, giving each bite a refreshing, sunny citrus note that’s simply addictive.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pre-mixing the dry ingredients helps ensure even distribution and prevents clumping when added to the wet mixture.
Step 6: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be gentle here—the key to perfect blondies is not to overmix, which can make them tough instead of tender.
Step 7: Bake the Batter
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, until the center is set but still moist. Testing with a toothpick should yield moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 8: Cool Completely and Glaze
Allow the blondies to cool fully in the pan. While waiting, whisk together powdered sugar and the remaining 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to make a glossy, tangy glaze. Spread this evenly over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your lemon blondies is a fun way to add a special touch. Try a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a few edible flowers for a pretty presentation. For some extra texture, chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the appearance while adding complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
These Lemon Blondies pair beautifully with light accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream balances the tartness perfectly. Fresh berries on the side can also add color and a burst of natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic squares and try cutting your lemon blondies into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful twist, especially during parties or special occasions. You can also stack layers with whipped lemon cream between for a delicious dessert bar or serve alongside tea for an elegant afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Lemon Blondies Recipe bars are fully glazed and cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days and remain moist and tender, perfect for a quick sweet snack anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these lemon treats around longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Although these blondies are best enjoyed at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can soften the glaze and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this Lemon Blondies Recipe because it offers a brighter, fresher flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but might lack the lively citrus punch.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure the mix contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Can I add other flavors to this Lemon Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely. A handful of blueberries folded into the batter or a teaspoon of vanilla extract can add an exciting dimension to the lemon base without overpowering it.
What if my glaze is too runny or thick?
If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it; if too thick, thin it out gradually with lemon juice. The perfect glaze should spread easily but set firmly after cooling.
How thick should the blondies be before baking?
When spread evenly in a 9×13-inch pan, the batter should be about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness bakes up with a soft center and slightly crisp edges, the ideal blondie texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Lemon Blondies Recipe enough for anyone craving a bright, happy dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh. The combination of buttery richness with lemon zest and juice is nothing short of magic on the taste buds. So grab those lemons, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these sunny bars—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie, infused with bright lemon zest and juice for a refreshing citrus flavor. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that balances rich buttery sweetness with vibrant lemony tartness.
Ingredients
Blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
- Combine butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.
- Mix lemon flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to infuse the batter with citrus brightness.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Spread batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the blondies for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs for the perfect tender texture.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to set before glazing.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth to create a tangy glaze.
- Glaze and slice: Spread the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled blondies, let it set for a few minutes, then slice into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- Ensure the blondies are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
