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Lemon Brownie Bars – Sweet, Tangy & Perfectly Chewy

Brighten your dessert table with these Lemon Brownie Bars! A perfect combination of rich chocolate and zesty lemon creates a chewy, decadent treat that’s easy to make and irresistible. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet everyday indulgence.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Dessert Bars, Modern Fusion
Servings 16 bars (from 8×8-inch pan)
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk & spatula
  • Zester or microplane
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven thermometer (optional)
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife for slicing

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Base:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Lemon Layer:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Optional Add-Ins/Garnish:

  • White chocolate chips
  • Poppy seeds
  • Powdered sugar or lemon glaze
  • Fresh berries

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
  • Chocolate Base: Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. In a bowl, whisk sugar and eggs; fold in melted chocolate. Gently fold in flour and salt. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
  • Lemon Layer: Whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour over chocolate base. Sprinkle optional add-ins if desired.
  • Bake: 25–30 minutes, or until lemon layer is set but slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking for fudgy texture.
  • Cool & Slice: Cool completely on a rack; chill 20–30 minutes for clean cuts. Lift using parchment overhang and slice into 16 bars. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle lemon glaze.

Notes

  • Fresh lemons give the brightest flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing to preserve fudgy chocolate base.
  • Optional add-ins: nuts, berries, or white chocolate can enhance texture and flavor.
  • Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Presentation: Chill slightly before slicing; garnish with zest, powdered sugar, or berries.
Keyword fudgy lemon bars, layered dessert, Lemon brownie bars, lemon chocolate dessert, tangy chocolate bars