Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that bursts with bright, sunny flavor and a tender, fudgy bite, look no further than these absolutely delightful Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies. With a lush lemony zing, a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a shimmering glaze on top, this is the treat that will have everyone, gluten-free or not, reaching for seconds. These brownies are an utter joy to bake and even more fun to devour—with simple ingredients and satisfyingly big flavor, they’ll become a shining star in your dessert collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient in these Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies plays a key role—some add richness, others deliver irresistibly tangy lemon flavor, and all combine for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why it’s important:
- Almond flour: Gives the brownies a wonderfully moist, dense crumb with subtle nuttiness.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Ensures a tender structure and keeps everything nicely bound without gluten.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness from the lemons perfectly.
- Large eggs: Add richness, help bind the batter, and give a soft, chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and a buttery flavor that supports the lemon beautifully.
- Lemon zest: Infuses vibrant, aromatic oils for a punch of real citrus flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Delivers natural tartness and a refreshing zing you can’t get from extract alone.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus with a warm, comforting base note.
- Baking powder: Offers just the right amount of rise to keep these brownies pleasantly thick but never heavy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the sweetness and acidity sparkle.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Lends gloss and sweetness, creating that gorgeous, swoon-worthy finish.
- Additional lemon juice (for the glaze): Intensifies the tang and creates a smooth, pourable texture for the topping.
- Extra lemon zest (for the glaze): Sprinkles of zest bring bursts of color and a final pop of flavor right to the top.
How to Make Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang for easy lifting. This simple step makes removing and slicing your Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies mess-free and picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together evenly ensures that each bite of your brownies has just the right texture and every element is perfectly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This creates a creamy, silky mixture filled with bright citrus aroma—already you can smell the promise of those luscious brownies!
Step 4: Combine and Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies thick, soft, and tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should look just set but not browned. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for the best, cleanest slices.
Step 6: Make and Add the Lemon Glaze
While your brownies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make a smooth, glossy glaze. Once the brownies have cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top. The sweet icing sinks into the nooks and crannies, forming a gorgeous layer of citrusy goodness. Let it set before slicing squares so every bite gets its fair share of flavor!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies
Garnishes
Bring your Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies to life with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest right after glazing. A light dusting of powdered sugar or some delicate edible flowers (like violets or pansies) on each square also adds a lovely touch for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a luscious dessert, or serve alongside a simple bowl of mixed berries for a lighter finish. Even a dollop of whipped cream, gently flavored with lemon, makes a wonderful, cloud-like companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your brownies into bite-sized bars and serve on a decorative platter with fresh lemon slices. Or stack them in a tiered arrangement for a dessert table centerpiece—just be prepared for them to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so they stay decadently soft and never dry out.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead, you’re in luck: these brownies freeze like a dream! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
While Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies are delicious straight from the fridge or at room temp, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15) can bring back their fresh-from-the-oven charm. Just be careful not to overheat, or the glaze will melt.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with your favorite dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. The brownies will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful, but 100 percent dairy-free for those who need it.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I use extra gluten-free flour?
Almond flour gives these brownies their signature moistness and subtle depth of flavor. While you can try swapping in more gluten-free all-purpose flour, the texture and richness may change. If you can, keep the almond flour—it’s worth it!
Can I add poppy seeds to the brownies?
Yes, poppy seeds are a fun way to give a nod to classic lemon-poppy seed desserts. Just fold in a tablespoon or two into the batter for some added crunch and visual flair.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The best way is to use the toothpick test: insert one in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter), your Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies are ready. Don’t overbake, as you want them to stay fudgy and soft!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep a close eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, but the results will be just as dreamy and lemon-packed.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies are everything you want in a dessert: vibrant, easy to make, and so satisfyingly zesty that you’ll crave them year-round. Gather your lemons and bake up a pan soon—you might just find your new favorite treat!
Print
Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, boasting a burst of citrus flavor and a tender, moist texture. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, these treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat melted butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Blend Batter: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined. Pour batter into pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over brownies.
- Serve: Let glaze set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For an extra tangy flavor, add more lemon juice to the glaze.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
