Soft Gooey Lemon Blondies

When you crave something sweet but want to veer away from the usual chocolate, lemon blondies offer a refreshing and decadent alternative. These soft, gooey, lemony squares are the perfect balance of tart citrus and rich buttery flavor. Imagine the dense, chewy texture of a brownie—but instead of cocoa, you get a bright burst of fresh lemon in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a weekend bake, prepping for a brunch gathering, or just treating yourself midweek, Soft Gooey Lemon Blondies are an easy yet impressive dessert that never fails to please. With simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh lemons, you can whip up a batch that looks bakery-worthy but tastes even better homemade.

Let’s dive into how you can create these sunshine-filled treats right in your own kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients

This recipe yields about 16 lemon blondies and uses basic baking staples, plus a few lemons for that signature citrus zing.

🧈 For the Lemon Blondie Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder

🍋 For the Lemon Glaze (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest

🍽️ Tip: Use organic lemons when possible since you’re using the zest.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Parchment is best for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined and glossy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The mixture will smell fresh and fragrant at this point.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the blondies tender.

Step 4: Bake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
3. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
4. Let the blondies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment and cool fully on a rack.

Step 5: Add the Lemon Glaze

1. While the blondies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies using a spoon or pour it on for full coverage. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

✅ Helpful Tips for Perfect Lemon Blondies

Getting the texture and flavor just right is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to guarantee gooey, bakery-quality results:

• Use room temperature eggs: They mix better and help create a uniform texture.
• Don’t overbake: The center should be just set, not dry. Start checking at 25 minutes.
• Zest first, then juice: It’s much easier to zest lemons before cutting and juicing them.
• Adjust sweetness: For a tarter blondie, reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add a bit more lemon zest.
• Use a metal pan: Glass or ceramic pans retain heat and can overbake the edges.

🔄 Variations

You can easily adapt these lemon blondies to fit different moods and occasions. Here are some creative twists:

1. Blueberry Lemon Blondies

Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking. Toss them in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking.

2. Lemon Raspberry Swirl

Swirl a few spoonfuls of raspberry jam into the top of the blondies before baking for a pretty marbled look.

3. Coconut Lemon Blondies

Mix ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle extra on top for a tropical touch.

4. Lemon Poppy Seed Blondies

Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds to the batter for added crunch and a bakery-style finish.

5. White Chocolate Lemon Blondies

Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips to add richness and balance the tart lemon.

🧁 Customize: Keep the lemon base the same and let your mix-ins reflect the season, occasion, or your personal cravings.

🧊 Conservation and Storage

Lemon blondies store well and maintain their soft texture for several days—making them great for prepping ahead.

Short-Term Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week; let them come to room temperature before serving.

Long-Term Storage:

• Freezing: Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Thaw: Let thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

❄️ Glazed blondies can be frozen, but for best results, glaze them after thawing.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These bright and buttery treats are versatile enough to serve in multiple ways:

• As a dessert bar: Cut into small squares for an elegant dessert platter.
• With tea or coffee: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey or iced latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• At brunch: Add them to a brunch spread alongside muffins and fruit.
• A la mode: Warm slightly and top with vanilla or lemon sorbet for a citrusy sundae.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time to 35–38 minutes, checking for doneness as usual.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but do so cautiously. You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup without compromising texture too much. Keep the powdered sugar in the glaze for balance.

Are lemon blondies the same as lemon bars?

No. Lemon bars typically have a shortbread crust with a tangy curd topping. Lemon blondies are more like brownies—dense, chewy, and uniform throughout.

Why are my blondies dry?

They were likely overbaked. Every oven varies, so keep an eye on them at the 25-minute mark and remove when the edges are golden and the center is just set.

📝 Conclusion

Soft Gooey Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional dessert bars. Their chewy texture, zesty flavor, and luscious glaze make them stand out at any gathering or satisfy any citrus craving. They’re easy to customize, quick to prepare, and practically foolproof with the right tips.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, topped with berries, or packed into a lunchbox, these lemon blondies will brighten your day with every bite. Their balance of sweetness and citrus makes them a refreshing dessert year-round—no special occasion needed.

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