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Stacked lemon bars showing crumbly crust, soft filling, and citrus garnish

Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies Recipe

Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies Recipe made with butter, white chocolate, sugar, lemon zest, eggs, lemon extract, vanilla, gluten-free flour, lemon juice, and glaze.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9 brownies

Ingredients

Lemon Brownies

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 4- oz white chocolate bar preferably gluten-free
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest from about 2 large lemons
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend spooned and leveled
  • ½ tsp salt
  • tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnish

  • Additional lemon zest

Instructions

Prepare the baking pan.

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch light-colored aluminized steel baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.

Melt the butter and white chocolate.

  • Place the unsalted butter and white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, covering the bowl with a paper towel to reduce splatter. Stir well, then continue heating in 15 to 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Do not overheat. Set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the lemon sugar.

  • Place the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Rub the lemon zest into the sugar with your fingertips until the sugar becomes fragrant and slightly moistened. This helps release the natural oils from the lemon zest.

Add the eggs and extracts.

  • Add the eggs, egg yolk, lemon extract, and vanilla extract to the lemon sugar. Whisk for approximately 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth and slightly lightened.

Add the melted butter mixture.

  • Pour the slightly cooled butter and white chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Fold gently until fully combined.

Add the dry ingredients.

  • Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, salt, and baking powder. Fold the mixture gently with a spatula until partially combined.

Add the lemon juice.

  • Add the fresh lemon juice and continue folding just until the batter is fully incorporated. Do not overmix. If desired, gluten-free white chocolate chips may be folded in at this stage.

Transfer the batter to the pan.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.

Bake the brownies.

  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The tops will remain pale. Avoid overbaking.

Cool completely.

  • Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before glazing.

Prepare the lemon glaze.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Glaze the brownies.

  • Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Garnish and set.

  • Garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired. Allow the glaze to set for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing.

Slice and serve.

  • Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan. Slice into 9 brownies and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend formulated for baking. A blend containing xanthan gum is recommended for better structure and texture.
Confirm that the white chocolate bar, lemon extract, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, baking powder, and any optional white chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice, and wash them thoroughly before zesting.
Check labels on powdered sugar, baking powder, and chocolate products for gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings.
Use clean mixing bowls, measuring cups, spatulas, baking pan, parchment paper, and cutting tools to prevent cross-contamination.
If preparing this recipe for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, use certified gluten-free ingredients and prepare the brownies in a gluten-free-safe kitchen environment.