Homemade Lemonies Recipe

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Imagine the bold, bright flavor of lemon packed into a soft, dense brownie-style dessert. That’s exactly what you get with these Homemade Lemonies. Unlike traditional lemon bars that are tart and gooey, lemonies are chewy, rich, and intensely lemony without being overwhelming. Think of them as the lovechild of a fudgy blondie and a zesty lemon cake.

Perfect for spring gatherings, brunch with friends, or just because you need a little sunshine on your plate, these lemonies are ridiculously easy to make. All you need is one bowl, simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll end up with a treat that’s sweet, tangy, and so satisfying it might just replace your usual cookie rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Lemonies Recipe

These lemonies are a citrusy dream that manage to be soft and chewy while still packing a punch of lemon flavor. The best part? They don’t require any complicated techniques or fancy tools. You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these lemonies are sure to be a hit.

Their beautiful yellow hue and crackly glaze make them as pretty to look at as they are tasty. Plus, they slice cleanly and store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert. These are the kind of treats that feel bakery-level but come together with minimal fuss at home.

What Kind of Lemon Juice Should I Use?

Fresh lemon juice is the way to go here. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but freshly squeezed lemons give these bars their unmistakable brightness and depth. You’ll also want to use the zest for that extra citrus kick, so grabbing a couple of fresh lemons is totally worth it. If you’re using Meyer lemons, you’ll get a slightly sweeter and floral flavor which can be a lovely variation.

Ingredients for the Homemade Lemonies Recipe

The magic of these lemonies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, bringing the right texture and tangy-sweet balance to the bars. There are no unnecessary add-ins here, just a handful of staple items working together to create something extraordinary.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for the glaze)

Each ingredient supports the dense and chewy structure of the lemonies. The butter keeps them moist and rich, while lemon juice and zest offer an assertive, fresh citrus flavor. The glaze, made simply from powdered sugar and lemon juice, adds a glossy, sweet-tart finish.

How To Make the Homemade Lemonies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make it easy to lift out the lemonies later.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Glaze and Set

While the lemonies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Pour over the cooled bars and spread it out evenly. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.

How to Serve and Store Your Lemonies

These homemade lemonies are best served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Chilling them helps the glaze firm up and gives the bars a dense, almost fudge-like texture. They slice beautifully once set and make an elegant treat on dessert platters or afternoon tea trays.

This recipe makes enough for 9 to 12 bars, depending on how generously you slice them. It’s a great option for small get-togethers or meal prep for the week if you’re someone who enjoys a citrusy treat on the regular.

To store, keep the lemonies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and let thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What to Serve With Lemonies?

Fresh Berries

Pairing your lemonies with a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet-tart bars.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each lemony square turns them into an effortless plated dessert.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

Keep the citrus theme going with a cold glass of lemonade or balance the tartness with a smooth, classic iced tea.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a summer dessert that’s out-of-this-world, serve your lemonies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes on top of the glaze before it sets to give your lemonies a tropical twist.

Greek Yogurt

If you want to enjoy these as a mid-morning snack, try pairing them with a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt. It adds protein and creaminess.

Shortbread Crumbs

Crumble some buttery shortbread cookies over your lemonies for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these lemonies made your day a little brighter, you’ll love exploring more dessert bars and citrusy treats. Here are some other recipes from the blog that might just become your next favorite:

• Delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake for a nostalgic, berry-packed dessert.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles if you’re craving citrus in creamy candy form.
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight when you’re in the mood for colorful fun.
• Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling for something cozy and rich.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert with layers of flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try Meyer lemons or stick with classic yellow ones? Did you double the glaze for extra indulgence?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too. Let’s keep the baking magic going!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and fresh dessert ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to treats to share and enjoy! Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

These homemade lemonies are sunshine in bar form. Easy to make, beautifully vibrant, and irresistibly tangy, they bring the best of lemon desserts into one perfect square. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just a little self-care in the form of sugar and citrus, they’ll never disappoint. Bright, bold, and joyfully simple—this is a recipe worth repeating.

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