Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars: Unforgivably Good

Okay, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both easy AND bursting with flavor? I know I do! And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars. Seriously, these things are addictive. We’re talking fudgy brownies with a bright, tangy lemon twist. It’s a combo you didn’t know you needed, trust me!

I first made these for a summer picnic a few years ago, and they were gone in minutes. My friends were practically fighting over the last bar! The secret? That perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty lemon. It just WORKS. And honestly, they’re so simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, the bright lemon icing just makes them so pretty – perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Okay, so why should you make these amazing bars? Let me tell you!

Quick and Easy Dessert

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver! Using a brownie mix cuts down on prep time like crazy. You’ll have these easy iced lemon brownie bars in the oven before you know it. Perfect when you need a sweet treat fast!

Perfect Balance of Flavors

That’s the magic, right there! The fudgy, chocolatey brownie is seriously leveled up by the bright, tangy lemon. It’s not too sweet, not too tart – just *chef’s kiss* perfect. My favorite part is that little bit of zing!

Great for Any Occasion

Need a dessert for a party? Picnic? Just a Tuesday night? These easy iced lemon brownie bars are your answer! They’re always a hit, and they’re so easy to transport. Trust me, people will be begging you for the recipe!

Ingredients for Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing easy iced lemon brownie bars. Don’t worry, the list looks longer than it is. Most of it’s probably already in your pantry!

Brownie Base

Grab one box (that’s 1 lb 4 oz, okay?) of your favorite brownie mix. Honestly, I usually just use whatever’s on sale, but Ghirardelli is always a solid choice if you’re feeling fancy!

Enhancing the Brownie

You’ll also need 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (any kind works!), 1/4 cup of water, and two large eggs. Nothing too crazy here!

Lemon Swirl

This is where the magic happens! You’ll want 1/2 cup of lemon curd. Seriously, splurge on the good stuff here! A high-quality lemon curd makes ALL the difference. You can usually find it near the jams and jellies.

Lemon Icing

For that gorgeous, tangy icing, you’ll need 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of lemon juice (fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch!), and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Don’t skip the zest – it adds SO much flavor!

How to Make Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these incredible easy iced lemon brownie bars. Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious treat in no time!

Preparing to Bake Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it like crazy! You don’t want these babies sticking. I usually use baking spray, but butter and flour work too. Just make sure you get every nook and cranny!

Making the Brownie Batter

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, dump in your brownie mix. Then, add the vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, though! Just until everything is nice and smooth. A few lumps are okay, no biggie.

Adding the Lemon Swirl to Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Pour that gorgeous brownie batter into your prepared pan. Now, grab your lemon curd and drop spoonfuls all over the top of the batter. Don’t be shy! Then, take a knife and swirl it around to create a pretty marbled effect. This is where you get to be artistic! Just don’t over-swirl, or the lemon will disappear. We want to see those beautiful lemon pockets!

Baking the Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Pop that pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Not wet batter, moist crumbs! And be careful not to overbake them – nobody likes dry brownies! Start checking around 25 minutes. Ovens can be so different, you know?

Icing the Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

While the brownies are baking (or cooling!), let’s make that dreamy lemon icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. You want it to be pourable but not runny. Once the brownie bars are COMPLETELY cooled, pour that icing all over the top. Yum!

Cutting and Serving Your Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

This is the hardest part, I swear! You HAVE to let those easy iced lemon brownie bars cool completely in the pan before you cut them. Otherwise, they’ll be a gooey mess. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and serve. And prepare to be amazed!

Tips for the Best Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Want to make these easy iced lemon brownie bars absolutely PERFECT? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for brownie bar bliss.

Don’t Overbake

Seriously, this is key! Overbaked brownies are sad brownies. They’ll be dry and crumbly, and nobody wants that. Remember, you want moist crumbs on that toothpick, not a clean one. Err on the side of slightly underbaked – they’ll continue to set as they cool!

Cool Completely

Patience, my friend! I know it’s tempting to dive in as soon as they come out of the oven, but you MUST let these babies cool completely before you ice them. Otherwise, the icing will melt right off, and you’ll have a sticky mess. Plus, they’re easier to cut when they’re cool!

Adjust Lemon Flavor

Love lemon? Me too! If you want an extra zing, add a little more lemon zest to the icing. You can even add some to the brownie batter itself! Just don’t go overboard, or they’ll be too tart. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few notes and substitutions for these easy iced lemon brownie bars.

Lemon Curd Substitutions

Can’t find lemon curd? Don’t panic! You can totally use lemon pie filling in a pinch. It won’t have *quite* the same tangy flavor, but it’ll still be delicious. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make your own! There are tons of easy recipes online!

Brownie Mix Variations

Feel free to experiment with different brownie mixes! Dark chocolate? Fudge? Even a mix with chocolate chunks would be amazing. Just make sure it’s the same size (1 lb 4 oz) so the ratios stay right.

Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips

Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delicious in these easy iced lemon brownie bars. Or, you could add some white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness. Just toss them into the batter before you bake!

Storing Your Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

So, you’ve managed to not eat ALL the easy iced lemon brownie bars in one sitting? Wow, I’m impressed! Here’s how to keep them fresh (if they last that long!).

How to Store

Just pop those leftover beauties into an airtight container and store them at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days…but let’s be real, they’ll probably be gone way before then!

Can You Freeze These Brownie Bars?

You betcha! If you want to save some for later (or hide them from yourself!), these easy iced lemon brownie bars freeze like a dream. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then toss them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat one, just let it thaw at room temperature. It’ll be like you just baked it!

Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about these easy iced lemon brownie bars? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me.

Can I use a homemade brownie recipe?

Absolutely! If you’ve got a favorite homemade brownie recipe, go for it! Just make sure you use enough batter to fill a 9×13 inch pan. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the baking time, as homemade brownies might bake a little differently than boxed ones. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes, and remember, moist crumbs are key!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally! These easy iced lemon brownie bars are actually even better the next day, if you can believe it! The flavors have time to meld together, and the brownies get even fudgier. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, ice them, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Easy peasy!

How do I prevent the icing from being too thin or thick?

Ah, the icing! It can be a little tricky, I know. If your icing is too thin, just add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time. You want it to be pourable but not runny. Trust your gut (and your taste buds!)!

Nutritional Information for Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Just keep in mind that the nutrition info can change a LOT depending on the brownie mix and lemon curd you use. So, the info you see listed is just an estimate. It’s not, like, a super precise scientific measurement, you know?

Enjoy Your Easy Iced Lemon Brownie Bars!

Alright, that’s it! You’re officially ready to bake up a batch of these amazing easy iced lemon brownie bars. Seriously, I know you’re gonna love them! Give the recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy baking!

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