Lemon Brownies – The Easy Citrus Treat from LemonPeony
If you’re a fan of lemon desserts and love a treat that’s easy, quick, and absolutely delicious, then these Lemon Brownies from LemonPeony are about to become your new go-to. These brownies are soft, chewy, perfectly sweet with a tangy lemon twist — and best of all, they’re made from a box cake mix! Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, these sunny little squares will brighten any table.
Whether you’re planning a baby shower, a picnic, or just want something fresh and sweet to go with your afternoon tea, these brownies deliver citrus bliss with minimal effort. Plus, they’re a fun twist on traditional chocolate brownies — and yes, there’s no chocolate in sight.
Table of Contents
🌟 Why These Lemon Brownies Stand Out
These aren’t just any lemon bars or lemon squares — they’re fudgy lemon brownies made with the help of a boxed cake mix and a few simple ingredients. What makes the LemonPeony version shine?
- Only 4–5 ingredients
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
- Packed with bright lemon flavor thanks to lemon pudding mix
- A tangy, sweet lemon glaze that melts into every bite
To get the most out of your citrus, you’ll want to know how to zest a lemon properly for extra punch. This step adds depth without bitterness, especially if you’re using fresh lemons.
Even though it’s made with a cake mix, don’t be fooled — the texture is rich, moist, and chewy like a true brownie. Want to make your boxed mixes taste even better? Check out these creative ways to improve box cake mix desserts.
🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up these lemon brownies:
For the Brownies
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 small box lemon instant pudding
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but recommended)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (add a few drops for desired consistency)
- Extra zest for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for the perfect batch of brownies:
- Prep your baking pan
Line an 8″ square baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray for easy lifting. - Mix the batter
Combine the cake mix, pudding, lemon juice, eggs, and zest in a bowl using a hand mixer until smooth. - Bake
Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake at 350°F for about 22–24 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. - Cool
Let brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift and cool completely on a wire rack. - Add the glaze
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled brownies. Top with more zest if desired.
🛠️ Customization Tips
Want to make these brownies your own? Here are a few ideas:
- More lemon flavor: Add a touch of lemon extract or use extra zest.
- Less sweet: Reduce the glaze or omit it.
- Add-ins: Try white chocolate chips, blueberries, or a swirl of raspberry jam.
- Gluten-free: Use a GF yellow cake mix.
🕒 When to Serve Lemon Brownies
These zesty treats are perfect for:
- Spring and summer brunches
- Weddings and baby showers
- Afternoon tea
- Picnics and potlucks
- Easter or Mother’s Day desserts
They’re easy to pack, easy to slice, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have a few common traps. Avoid these:
- Overbaking: Check with a toothpick early to keep them moist.
- Using the wrong mix: Stick with yellow cake mix, not lemon or butter.
- Skipping parchment paper: This makes clean-up and cutting much easier.
🧊 Storage Tips
Wondering how to store them?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days (especially in warmer climates).
- Freezing: Individually wrap squares and freeze up to 2 months. Here’s a great guide on how to freeze brownies properly.
🧾 Nutritional Snapshot
- Approx. 180–220 calories per piece
- Contains eggs and gluten
- Adjust with sugar-free pudding or low-sugar glaze for a lighter version
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
Pair your lemon brownies with:
- A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water
- Other lemony desserts like:
- Lemon sugar cookies
- Lemon cheesecake bars
- Lemon loaf
📚 More from LemonPeony
LemonPeony is all about easy, crowd-pleasing desserts with a twist. If you loved these lemon brownies, you might also enjoy:
- No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Strawberry Lemon Brownies
You can also sign up to get their FREE dessert e-book filled with more sweet ideas!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lemon brownies without pudding mix?
Yes! They will still turn out well, but the flavor will be slightly less lemony and the texture may be a bit more cake-like.
How do I know when lemon brownies are done?
Use a toothpick to check — it should come out clean or with a few crumbs (but no wet batter).
Can I use lemon cake mix instead of yellow?
You can, but it may overpower the lemon flavor you create with pudding and juice. Yellow cake mix gives a better balance.
What’s the difference between lemon brownies and lemon bars?
Lemon bars are usually made with a shortbread crust and a curd-like topping, while lemon brownies have a denser, chewier texture — more like a classic brownie.
How do I make these more moist?
Don’t overbake, and consider adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra richness.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing lemon dessert, these Lemon Brownies from LemonPeony are a must-bake. They’re simple, satisfying, and filled with sunshine in every bite.
Give them a try — and don’t forget to share, pin, or subscribe to get more sweet inspiration from LemonPeony!
