Homemade Lemonies

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If you’re craving something sweet, zesty, and incredibly satisfying, Homemade Lemonies might be your new obsession. These luscious lemon dessert bars offer a bright, citrusy punch with a moist, fudgy texture that rivals brownies—but with a refreshing twist. They’re rich without being heavy, and their tart glaze takes them over the top in the best way possible.

Perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something tangy, these bars are as pretty as they are delicious. Topped with a shiny lemon glaze and a delicate lemon slice or zest, they’re show-stoppers on any dessert table. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead and savor them over a few days.

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What Kind of Lemon Juice Should I Use?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor in this recipe. Bottled lemon juice tends to have preservatives that dull the citrusy brightness, and the goal here is to let that lemon shine. For extra flavor, zest your lemons before juicing—the oils in the zest add another layer of lemony goodness.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Lemonies

Lemons (juice + zest) – The star of the recipe! Both the juice and zest bring layers of vibrant citrus flavor.

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft, cake-like body to the bars.

Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Unsalted butter – For richness and that tender crumb we love in brownies.

Eggs – Help bind the mixture and add moisture and structure.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the lemon flavor.

Powdered sugar – Used in the lemon glaze for a silky-smooth finish.

Vanilla extract – Just a touch to round out the lemon flavor with warmth.

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How To Make the Homemade Lemonies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the lemonies come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want tender lemonies!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Pour the glaze over the cooled lemonies and spread evenly. Let the glaze set for at least 20 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Slice

Top each square with a thin lemon slice or a sprinkle of zest for an elegant finish. Slice into squares and serve!

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How to Serve and Store Your Homemade Lemonies

Homemade Lemonies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, where their rich texture and tart glaze really shine. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert moment.

To store, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—wrap each square in parchment and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter. The glaze holds up beautifully!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when lemonies are done baking?

Check the edges—they should be lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just expect a slightly less bright finish.

Are lemonies supposed to be cakey or fudgy?

They lean more toward fudgy than cakey—think of them as the lemon version of a brownie.

What kind of lemons work best?

Regular Eureka or Lisbon lemons are perfect. If you want a slightly floral twist, try Meyer lemons when they’re in season.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark.

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Want More Lemon Dessert Ideas?

If you adore the bright zing of lemon, these Homemade Lemonies will only whet your appetite. Here are more lemon-forward treats to explore next:

• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies if you want something fast, sweet, and oven-free.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes for a fruity, creamy burst in every bite.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites to pair citrus with berries in a light, healthy way.
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing twist.
• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars if you like bar desserts with creamy flavor layers.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest where I share all my daily sweets and kitchen experiments!

Let me know in the comments how your Homemade Lemonies turned out. Did you go for extra lemon zest? Maybe a drizzle of white chocolate? I’m always excited to hear your creative twists!

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