Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, these lemon blondies are a citrus lover’s dream. Think of them as the cheerful cousin to the classic brownie, infused with the tangy freshness of lemon and a buttery richness that melts in your mouth. The soft, chewy texture paired with a sweet lemon glaze on top makes each bite a little burst of sunshine.

Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just when you need something sweet and simple, these blondies are as easy to make as they are to fall in love with. With no mixer required and basic pantry ingredients, this is a no-fuss treat that delivers big flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blondies Recipe

You’ll love this lemon blondies recipe because it combines the ease of a one-bowl dessert with the vibrant punch of lemon. The balance of sweet and tangy is spot on, the texture is soft and fudgy without being cakey, and the glaze gives it just the right hint of sparkle. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for picnics, parties, or as a delightful homemade gift.

What Kind of Lemons Should I Use?

Fresh lemons are essential here. You’ll need both zest and juice, so grab bright, firm lemons with smooth skins. Meyer lemons are a great choice if you want a slightly sweeter, floral flavor, but regular lemons work beautifully too. Bottled juice just won’t have the same zing.

Ingredients for the Lemon Blondies

The magic of lemon blondies comes from a few simple ingredients that pack a lot of punch. Each one plays a key role in the texture and flavor.

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Salt
Powdered sugar (for the glaze)

The unsalted butter gives these blondies their rich, chewy base. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the lemon. Eggs provide structure and that soft, brownie-like texture. Lemon zest and juice are where the flavor really shines through—bright, fresh, and tangy. All-purpose flour keeps the bars dense and fudgy, and a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. Finally, the powdered sugar in the glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish that ties everything together.

How To Make the Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the blondies out easily.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the lemon zest and juice.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender crumb.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Let the blondies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift them out to cool completely on a rack. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a smooth glaze, then drizzle over the top. Let it set before slicing.

How to Serve and Store These Lemon Blondies

Lemon blondies are best served at room temperature with a slightly chilled glaze. They cut cleanly into squares or bars and make a stunning addition to dessert trays or brunch tables. This recipe makes 9 large or 16 smaller squares, depending on how you slice them.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped blondies for up to 2 months. Let frozen bars thaw at room temp before enjoying.

What to Serve With Lemon Blondies?

A Cup of Earl Grey Tea

The subtle floral notes of Earl Grey pair beautifully with the citrusy sweetness of lemon blondies.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For a decadent treat, serve your blondies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the top.

Fresh Berries

Add a handful of raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream takes these from snack to plated dessert.

Lemon Curd

Double down on the lemon by adding a spoonful of tangy lemon curd.

Sparkling Water with Mint

Keep things light and refreshing with a bubbly mint drink alongside your bar.

White Wine Spritzer

Great for a brunch pairing or girls’ night in, this adds a crisp contrast to the blondie’s rich texture.

Want More Lemon Dessert Ideas?

If lemon is your thing, you won’t want to miss these sunny favorites:

Try our zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a savory citrus twist.
These White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles bring a bright creamy citrus bite.
The Butter Pecan Cheesecake pairs beautifully with lemony desserts for any celebration.
Need a brunch side? The Creamy Corn Dip adds a savory balance to your sweet spread.
And don’t skip our beloved Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake, a vibrant fruity treat.

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 go heavy on the glaze or keep it light? Did you sneak in extra zest for that lemon punch?

I love seeing your baking spins on these recipes. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Lemon blondies are the kind of treat that feels like a celebration all on their own. They’re simple to make, bursting with citrus flavor, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers sunshine in every bite.