There’s something undeniably refreshing about the combination of lemon and blueberry. The zing of citrus paired with the natural sweetness of juicy berries creates a burst of flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate. While brownies are typically associated with rich chocolate, lemon blueberry brownies break the mold—offering a chewy, dense, and delightfully tangy dessert that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave something different.
If you’re ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, this guide will walk you through making the most irresistible lemon blueberry brownies from scratch. You’ll get precise ingredient measurements, clear instructions, tips to perfect the texture, variations to explore, and ideas on how to store and serve this citrusy treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. These amounts make one 9×9-inch pan of brownies, yielding about 12–16 pieces depending on how you cut them.
For the Lemon Blueberry Brownies:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (100g) fresh blueberries (or frozen, see tips below)
For the Lemon Glaze (optional but recommended):
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the perfect lemon blueberry brownies doesn’t require advanced skills—just a little patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps for foolproof results.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift out the brownies later. Lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—about 2–3 minutes. This step helps create that soft, chewy texture you want in brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Lemon Flavor
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. The mixture may look slightly curdled due to the acid in the lemon juice, but that’s completely normal.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a rubber spatula. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first—this helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should look set, and the center should appear slightly firm.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. Once they’re firm enough to handle, lift them out using the parchment paper and place on a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies and let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Brownies
To get the best flavor and texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Use room-temperature ingredients. This helps the butter cream better with the sugar and ensures a uniform batter.
- Avoid overbaking. Lemon brownies dry out quickly if overcooked. Check them at 25 minutes, and remove when the center is just set.
- Fresh vs. frozen blueberries: Both work well, but frozen berries can make the batter wetter. If using frozen, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in.
- Zest before juicing. Always zest your lemons before cutting them for juice to make it easier and avoid waste.
- Cool completely before glazing. If you glaze while the brownies are hot, it will melt and soak in rather than sit nicely on top.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? These creative variations can help you customize the flavor profile or add your own twist to the recipe:
- Lemon Raspberry Brownies: Swap out blueberries for raspberries for a slightly more tart finish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Coconut Lemon Brownies: Fold in ¼ cup of shredded coconut with the blueberries for a tropical vibe.
- Lemon Lime Brownies: Replace half the lemon juice and zest with lime for a citrus blend.
- Lavender Infused: Add ½ teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the batter for a floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Conservation and Storage
To keep your lemon blueberry brownies fresh and delicious:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- In the Refrigerator: If glazed, it’s best to refrigerate them. They’ll last 4–5 days when sealed properly.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze unglazed brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before serving. Add glaze after thawing for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon blueberry brownies shine on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your presentation and flavor experience:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean or lemon sorbet for a dessert that feels gourmet.
- Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Skip the glaze and opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar for a rustic, elegant look.
- Pair with Tea: These bars go beautifully with Earl Grey or chamomile tea, making them ideal for brunch or afternoon tea parties.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include them alongside lemon bars, chocolate brownies, and fruit tarts for a vibrant dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lemon brownies the same as lemon bars?
No, they’re different. Lemon bars have a shortbread crust with a lemon curd filling, while lemon brownies have a dense, cake-like texture similar to chocolate brownies but with a citrus twist.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled. However, skip it if it contains preservatives or additives that can alter the taste.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
Toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended and evenly distributed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make these vegan?
With some substitutions, yes! Use vegan butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly.
Conclusion
Lemon blueberry brownies are a bright and refreshing twist on a classic dessert. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the tang of lemon and bursts of juicy blueberries create a flavor that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, hosting brunch, or simply indulging in a weekday treat, this recipe delivers every time.
With plenty of ways to tweak the ingredients to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. And with simple storage methods and elegant serving ideas, these brownies are as versatile as they are delicious.
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Lemon Blueberry Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lemon blueberry brownies are a refreshing twist on classic brownies—soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor and juicy blueberries. Topped with a bright lemon glaze, they’re the perfect spring or summer dessert for picnics, brunches, or an afternoon treat. Easy to make and packed with zesty citrus goodness, these fruity dessert bars are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (100g) fresh blueberries
For the Lemon Glaze
¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs, lemon zest, and juice to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
Fold in blueberries gently. If using frozen, toss them in 1 tbsp flour first (do not thaw).
Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Notes
lueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but you can use frozen—just don’t thaw them before mixing to avoid discoloring the batter. Tossing them in flour helps distribute them evenly.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but may lack the brightness of fresh.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter, and replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). Mix and let sit 5 minutes before adding.
Storage Tip: For best texture, don’t glaze until just before serving if you’re storing the brownies for more than a day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
