These soft and chewy Frosted Lemonies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a dense, brownie-like texture and a smooth, zesty lemon glaze that enhances every bite. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a refreshing dessert, these lemonies will brighten your day with their vibrant citrus flavor.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but their beautiful golden hue and luscious frosting make them a showstopper on any dessert table. Serve them at brunch, take them to a party, or simply indulge in a piece (or two) with your favorite cup of tea. These Frosted Lemonies are a delightful way to bring a touch of sunshine to your baking!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the lemonies cool, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, butter, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold citrus flavors and soft, chewy desserts, these Frosted Lemonies will quickly become a favorite. They have the dense, fudgy texture of brownies but are bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them a unique and refreshing twist on traditional bar desserts. The rich, buttery base pairs beautifully with the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, while the silky lemon glaze on top adds an extra layer of tangy sweetness.
Unlike classic lemon bars, which have a shortbread crust and a gooey filling, these lemonies are made in one bowl with simple ingredients, making them an easy and quick treat to whip up for any occasion.
Key Features
Soft & Chewy Texture – These bars have a rich, fudgy consistency that melts in your mouth.
Bright & Refreshing Flavor – Made with real lemon juice and zest for a natural citrus taste.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps; just mix, bake, and frost!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, picnics, parties, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Customizable – Add white chocolate chips, swap the frosting for a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with white chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for the Best Lemonies
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright, tangy flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving that vibrant taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined to keep the lemonies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Let Them Cool Before Frosting – If you frost while the bars are still warm, the glaze may melt and become runny instead of staying thick and creamy.
- Adjust the Frosting Consistency – If the frosting is too thick, add a little more lemon juice or milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Keep the frosted lemonies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store unfrosted lemonies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Variations
Lemon Coconut Bars – Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and a tropical twist.
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars – Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a bakery-style treat.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – Swirl in softened cream cheese before baking for a tangy, creamy filling.
White Chocolate Lemonies – Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tart lemon flavor.
What Are Lemonies?
Lemonies, also known as lemon brownies or lemon blondies, are a citrusy twist on the classic brownie. Instead of chocolate, they are made with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving them a tangy, refreshing flavor. These bars have a soft, chewy texture—similar to fudgy brownies—but are packed with bright citrus notes. Unlike traditional lemon bars, which have a shortbread crust and a custard-like filling, lemonies are made with a single batter that bakes into a rich, buttery treat.
The frosting is what sets these apart from other lemon desserts. The smooth, sweet, and slightly tart lemon glaze perfectly complements the soft, chewy base, adding an extra burst of citrus flavor.
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Soft and chewy Frosted Lemonies are perfect for any time of the year, but they shine especially during spring and summer when fresh citrus flavors are at their best. They are:
Great for Gifting – Pack them in a decorative box or tin for a homemade treat that everyone will love.
Perfect for Parties – Serve them at brunches, baby showers, tea parties, or any gathering where you want a light, refreshing dessert.
Easy to Make Ahead – Bake a batch in advance and store them for a quick, ready-to-serve treat.
A Crowd-Pleaser – Even people who aren’t big fans of chocolate brownies will love the unique, tangy-sweet flavor of lemonies.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make these lemonies so special:
Main Ingredients
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture, giving the lemonies their soft, chewy texture. You can use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the bars while balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Eggs – Give structure and moisture, making the lemonies soft and slightly dense.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – The stars of the recipe! Fresh lemon juice and zest add the perfect amount of tartness and fragrance. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the same fresh, zesty flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the right structure to keep the bars firm yet tender.
- Baking Powder – Helps create a slightly lighter texture.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Frosting Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet frosting.
- Butter – Adds a creamy, rich consistency to the frosting.
- Lemon Juice & Zest – Brings an extra punch of fresh citrus flavor to the glaze.
- Milk – Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting to make it spreadable.
Substitutions & Variations
- For a Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk for the frosting.
- For a Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a drop of lemon extract for an even stronger citrus punch.
- For a Healthier Twist: Reduce the sugar slightly and replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
How to Serve Frosted Lemonies
These lemonies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few serving ideas:
With Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream makes them extra indulgent.
With Fresh Berries – Serve with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a beautiful, colorful presentation.
With Ice Cream – Pair with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – If you want a lighter alternative to frosting, simply dust with powdered sugar.
Common Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These lemonies keep well for several days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze Frosted Lemonies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the unfrosted lemonies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the frosting.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.
4. What’s the best way to cut Lemonies neatly?
For clean cuts, chill the bars first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
5. Can I make this with other citrus fruits?
Yes! Try substituting lime, orange, or even grapefruit juice and zest for a fun twist on this recipe.