Soft, buttery, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these Homemade Lemonies are a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. Instead of chocolate, they shine with the vibrant flavor of fresh lemon juice and zest, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Perfect for sunny days or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up, these lemon bars offer just the right balance of tart and sweet.


Topped with a silky lemon glaze and a sprinkle of zest, they look as good as they taste. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, tea time, or just a quick dessert fix, Lemonies are an easy treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lemonies Recipe
- They’re incredibly moist and chewy.
- No need for a mixer—just a whisk and a bowl.
- Packed with real lemon juice and zest for fresh flavor.
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead desserts.
- Glazed for extra tang and shine.
What Kind of Lemons Should I Use?
For the boldest lemon flavor, fresh lemons are the only way to go. Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter and less tart, while standard lemons offer a zippy punch. Either works beautifully in this recipe. If you want a deeper citrus aroma, include zest in both the batter and glaze.
Ingredients for the Homemade Lemonies Recipe
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect lemony bite. Here’s what you need:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a soft, fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of lemon.
- Eggs: Adds structure and helps bind the batter.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the lemonies their form while keeping them tender.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show, delivering bright, tangy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Enhances citrus aroma and depth.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base.
- Lemon Juice: Thins the glaze and adds tart brightness.
- Lemon Zest (optional): For added zing and decoration.
How To Make the Homemade Lemonies Recipe
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 or grease it well.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and salt. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 23–27 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the lemonies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Add zest if desired.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Once completely cool, pour glaze over the lemonies and spread evenly. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.

Serving and Storing Homemade Lemonies
This recipe yields about 9 large or 16 smaller squares, making it perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or weekday desserts. Lemonies are best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing the glaze to firm up and the flavors to deepen.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What to Serve With Homemade Lemonies?
Fresh Berries
A handful of strawberries or blueberries adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Whipped Cream
Light, airy, and perfect for balancing the tang.
Iced Tea
Pair with lemon iced tea for a refreshing citrus-themed duo.
Greek Yogurt
Serve with a dollop on the side for a protein-packed breakfast idea.
Lemon Sorbet
Double up the lemon love with a scoop of icy lemon sorbet.
Coffee
Espresso or cold brew cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Raspberry Coulis
Drizzle for a fruity contrast and beautiful presentation.
Edible Flowers
Perfect for spring or summer events, they enhance the visual appeal.
Want More Lemon Dessert Ideas?
If you love these Homemade Lemonies, you’ll enjoy more zesty treats from our collection:
- Magic Lemon Cobbler for a comforting, gooey delight.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake packed with tang and creaminess.
- Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups that blend tart berries with creamy richness.
- Lemon and Herb Chickpea Salad for a savory citrus spin.
Explore these and find your next favorite lemon dessert!
Save This Pin 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 add extra zest? Glaze thick or thin? Did your kids fight over the last piece like mine?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more sunny bakes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Print
Homemade Lemonies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 large squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon lovers, rejoice! These Homemade Lemonies are the citrusy answer to fudgy brownies—soft, zesty, sweet, and topped with a smooth lemon glaze. The texture is moist and chewy, the flavor is bright and tangy, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Perfect for quick breakfast ideas, summer potlucks, or healthy snack cravings. Whether you’re searching for easy dessert ideas or baking a treat just because, this easy recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or grease it well.
2. In a mixing bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Sift in flour and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 23–27 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add zest if desired.
7. Let lemonies cool completely. Pour glaze on top and spread evenly. Let it set before slicing.
Notes
For a bolder lemon flavor, increase the zest in both batter and glaze.
Always let lemonies cool fully before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon blondies, lemon bars, easy lemon dessert, summer baking