Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly easy Lemon Blondies! Crafted effortlessly in just one bowl, they burst with a vibrant, fresh lemon flavor that will brighten any day. Imagine the delightful, chewy texture of your favorite classic blondies combined with the streamlined simplicity of our renowned one-bowl brownies. These aren’t just a treat; they’re a revelation in simplicity and taste, proving that extraordinary desserts don’t require complicated steps or extensive cleanup.

Before you even begin, take a quick peek into your fridge and pantry – chances are, you already have the handful of essential ingredients needed for these zesty blondies. They are so straightforward to make, they even outshine the ease of classic lemon bars! This brilliant recipe found its origins in my bakery, Les Filles. My goal was to create a sugar cookie bar that combined a wonderfully bright lemon essence with the signature chewy, dense texture of a blondie. And just like that, with a dash of inspiration and a sprinkle of culinary magic, our beloved Lemon Blondies were born!

While the recipe includes an incredibly simple, two-ingredient glaze, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! You could elevate them further with my delightful fresh strawberry glaze, inspired by this strawberry lemon pound cake, or indulge in the creamy richness of a Lemon Buttercream Frosting. These adaptable Lemon Blondies are truly the quintessential addition to any summer dessert spread. To fully embrace the vibrant citrus theme, consider pairing them with other lemon-infused delights like more lemon bars, a refreshing berry trifle, a sophisticated lemon olive oil cake, or an elegant lemon meringue cheesecake. Each bite promises a burst of sunshine, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply a sweet moment to yourself.

Why You Will Love These Chewy Lemon Blondies: Simplicity Meets Zesty Flavor

• Unmatched Texture Perfection. These lemon blondies strike a harmonious balance between dense, chewy, and irresistibly moist. The precise amount of eggs provides just enough structure and a slight lift, allowing the blondies to maintain their rich density without becoming cake-like. The melted butter ensures a melt-in-your-mouth chewiness, while the baking process creates a delicate, slightly crisp bottom edge, reminiscent of your favorite soft sugar cookie. It’s a texture experience that truly sets them apart.
• Effortless One-Bowl Preparation. Say goodbye to mountains of dirty dishes! This recipe is a dream for busy bakers, as the entire batter comes together in a single bowl. This not only speeds up the preparation process but also makes cleanup incredibly fast and easy, allowing you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
• Infinitely Scalable for Any Occasion. From a small batch for a cozy evening to a grand spread for a celebration, this recipe is remarkably versatile. We’ve even successfully scaled these blondies to fit an 80-quart mixer in a professional bakery setting! You can confidently scale this recipe up or down to suit your needs, without compromising on flavor or texture. Just remember that different pan sizes will require slight adjustments to baking times – a smaller pan might bake faster, while a larger one might take a little longer. Always use visual cues and a cake tester for perfect results.

Professional Tips for Perfect Lemon Desserts: Unlock the Best Citrus Flavor

Creating truly outstanding lemon desserts, like these delightful blondies, relies on a few expert techniques that enhance and balance the vibrant citrus notes. Here are some professional tips to help you achieve lemon dessert perfection:

• Master the Sweetness Ratio. As highlighted in my perfect lemon curd recipe, the secret to an intensely flavorful lemon dessert lies in achieving the ideal balance between the tartness of fresh lemons, the sweetness of sugar, and a hint of rich butter. Too much sugar can overpower the lemon, while too little can make it overly sour. This recipe carefully calibrates these elements for a perfectly harmonious taste.
• Zest Only the Bright Yellow Parts. When zesting a lemon, be meticulous to avoid the bitter white pith located just beneath the yellow peel. The bright yellow outer layer, or zest, contains all the concentrated aromatic oils and intense lemon flavor you desire. The pith, however, can introduce an unpleasant bitterness. Use a microplane or a fine zester and aim only for the vibrant yellow. A handy trick: zest your lemons *before* you juice them – it’s much easier to handle a whole lemon!
• Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice. For that unparalleled “zing” in your glaze and the true essence of lemon in your baked goods, fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. My culinary motto for citrus is simple: fresh is always, always best. If fresh lemons are truly unavailable, seek out high-quality frozen fresh juice, often found in the freezer or refrigerated sections of gourmet stores. Avoid shelf-stable bottled lemon juice, as its flavor tends to be flat and sometimes metallic. If the store-bought juice appears dark or dull, its fresh flavor has likely diminished.
• Infuse the Sugar with Lemon Zest. This simple step is a game-changer for maximizing lemon flavor. Combine the lemon zest and sugar, then use your fingertips to vigorously rub the zest into the sugar. This physical action releases the essential oils from the zest, allowing them to infuse directly into the sugar crystals. The longer this mixture sits (even overnight for an extra boost), the more pronounced and fragrant the lemon flavor will become in your final blondies.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Blondies

Crafting these bright and chewy lemon blondies requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their perfect texture and vibrant flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our blondies, melted unsalted butter contributes significantly to their signature chewy texture and rich, moist crumb. It also helps to carry and distribute the lemon flavor throughout the batter.
• Sugar: I often opt for extra-fine sugar in my baking. Its smaller crystals dissolve more rapidly and incorporate seamlessly into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. However, standard granulated sugar will work perfectly fine, yielding equally delicious results. The sugar not only provides sweetness but also tenderizes the blondies and contributes to their golden-brown crust.
• Whole Eggs: Eggs are absolutely mission-critical in this recipe. They act as a powerful emulsifier, binding the butter and sugar together into a cohesive batter. Furthermore, they provide essential structure and a tiny bit of natural leavening, ensuring the blondies are perfectly dense and chewy, rather than airy like a cake. For consistent results, especially in baking, I prefer to weigh my eggs, as there can be surprising variations in size between “large” eggs.
• Lemons: The star of the show! The zest from the lemons provides the intense, aromatic flavor that permeates the blondie base, while the fresh lemon juice delivers that essential bright tang to the sweet glaze. Always opt for fresh, unwaxed lemons for the best zest and juice quality.
• Kosher Salt: The ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt is not just a seasoning; it’s an essential flavor enhancer. It plays a vital supporting role, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and intensifying the bright lemon notes, preventing the blondies from tasting one-dimensionally sweet.
• All-Purpose Flour: My go-to is all-purpose flour. It provides the right amount of gluten development for a chewy, yet tender, blondie. While you could technically use bread flour for an even chewier result, the impact would be minimal, and all-purpose flour typically delivers the desired outcome beautifully.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: This finely powdered sugar is the base for our simple, yet delicious, lemon glaze. Its smooth texture ensures a lump-free, spreadable icing that sets beautifully.

For precise measurements and full instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down.

Exciting Variations for Your Lemon Blondies: Get Creative!

While the classic Lemon Blondie is undeniably delicious, this recipe offers a fantastic foundation for experimentation. Don’t be afraid to customize and create your own signature citrus dessert with these tempting variations:

• Zesty Orange Blondies: For a delightful twist, substitute the lemon zest in the blondie batter with fresh orange zest. For the glaze, replace ¾ of the lemon juice with freshly squeezed orange juice. The slightly sweeter, mellower notes of orange complement the blondie base beautifully. You can also add a drop of orange extract or orange blossom water for an extra aromatic touch.
• Go Nuts for Texture: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor by folding in up to 2 cups of your favorite toasted nuts after the flour has been incorporated. Toasted walnuts offer a classic warmth, pistachios add a beautiful color and delicate flavor, almonds provide a subtle sweetness, and hazelnuts offer a rich, earthy note that pairs surprisingly well with citrus.
• Irresistible Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Combine two beloved flavors by folding 1 cup of finely chopped fresh strawberries or 1 cup of dehydrated strawberries into the batter after the flour. The strawberries add bursts of fruity sweetness and a lovely moistness. Then, for the ultimate strawberry-lemon experience, ice them with my incredible fresh strawberry icing from this lemon pound cake! Alternatively, you can create a quick and easy glaze by thinning out some easy strawberry jam with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
• Switch Up the Icing Game: The simple lemon glaze is fantastic, but there’s a world of icing options to explore! My royal icing with meringue powder, with its crisp finish and balanced lemon flavor, would be phenomenal. For a more classic and comforting touch, opt for a vanilla extract-based classic donut glaze. Feeling adventurous? Incorporate a tablespoon of good quality brandy into the lemon glaze for an adaptation of the sophisticated lemon-brandy sauce found in my lemon raspberry bread pudding – it adds a wonderful depth of flavor!

How to Make Easy Lemon Blondies: Step-by-Step Guide

These one-bowl Lemon Blondies are incredibly straightforward to prepare. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. Further detailed measurements and tips can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below!

Part 1: Making the Perfect Blondie Batter

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). If you’re using a non-convection oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can either lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray or, for easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two sides to create “handles.” Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the freshly zested lemon peel. Use your fingertips to thoroughly rub the lemon zest into the sugar. This crucial step helps to release the potent essential oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with deep lemon flavor. The more you rub and the longer it sits, the more pronounced and aromatic the lemon essence will be in your final blondies.

Step 3: Melt and Cool the Butter. Melt the unsalted butter using either a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepot over low heat. Once melted, set the butter aside and allow it to cool slightly. It should be warm enough to remain liquid but not hot to the touch.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients. Return to your large bowl with the lemon-infused sugar. Pour the slightly cooled melted butter into the sugar mixture and whisk them together until well combined. Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and homogenous, with no streaks of egg visible.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Add the kosher salt to the wet mixture and stir well. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, whisking or folding it in gently. Mix until just combined and a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies to Perfection. Pour the prepared batter into your baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The blondies are ready when the top is beautifully browned, and they offer a slight resistance when gently touched in the center. A cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the icing step. This cooling period is crucial for setting their chewy texture.

Part 2: Preparing the Icing & Assembling Your Lemon Blondies

Step 7: Prepare the Simple Lemon Glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and fresh lemon juice. Start with a smaller amount of lemon juice and gradually add more, whisking continuously, until you reach your desired consistency. For a spreadable glaze that coats the blondies beautifully, aim for a thick, yet pourable paste. If you prefer a thinner, drizzly glaze, add a tiny bit more lemon juice.

Step 8: Glaze, Set, Slice, and Serve! Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the prepared lemon glaze evenly over the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. The thicker the glaze, the longer it will take to firm up. Once set, carefully slice the blondies into squares or bars, and serve them up to enjoy their bright, zesty goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Blondies

If you tried this wonderful Lemon Blondies recipe and absolutely loved it, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the comments below. Your feedback truly makes my day and helps other bakers discover these delightful treats!

Before You Go: Explore More Zesty Lemon Dessert Recipes

I sincerely hope you enjoyed creating and tasting this professionally chef-tested Lemon Blondies recipe! These chewy, bright bars are a testament to how simple ingredients and techniques can yield truly spectacular results. If the vibrant, tangy flavor of lemon has captivated your palate, I encourage you to delve deeper into our collection of other delicious, chef-developed lemon dessert recipes. From elegant tarts to comforting cakes, there’s a world of citrusy delights waiting to be discovered. Happy baking, and enjoy every zesty bite!