A fresh batch of lemon brownies is hard to resist on its own with its tangy citrus flavor and soft, fudgy interior. But a little decorating can take these bars to the next level, making them look as good as they taste.
The great thing about brownies is they provide the perfect blank canvas for getting creative. Let’s explore some easy yet eye-catching ways to decorate lemon brownies to highlight their bright, summery flavor.
Working with Glazes
Glazes add color and shine while enhancing lemon flavor.
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Whisk together until smooth. Pour over brownies and spread evenly with offset spatula.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
Beat ingredients until smooth. Chill 30 minutes before drizzling over brownies.
White Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Heat in microwave until melted and smooth. Cool slightly before pouring over lemon brownies.
Citrus Vodka Glaze
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons citrus vodka
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Whisk until smooth. Citrus vodka adds a touch of sophistication.
Read More: How to Make Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies
Fun With Ganache
Chocolate ganache is a rich counterpoint to tart lemon.
Drizzle Ganache
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Heat cream just to a boil then pour over chips. Let sit 5 minutes then stir smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before drizzling.
Marbled Ganache
Fold 1⁄4 cup room temperature ganache into lemon brownie batter before baking. Creates fudgy swirls throughout.
Lemon Ganache
Add 2 teaspoons lemon extract and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to basic ganache. Stir well to distribute flavors.
White Chocolate Ganache
Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet. Pairs deliciously with lemon brownies.
Playing with Citrus Zest
Zest adds bright flavor without moisture.
Raw Zest
Sprinkle extra lemon, lime, or orange zest over the top just before serving.
Toasted Zest
Warm zest in oven 2-3 minutes to intensify flavor. Let cool before topping brownies.
Sugared Zest
Toss grated zest with 1-2 tablespoons sugar. Spread on baking sheet and bake 5 minutes until dried. Sprinkle on brownies. Provides sweet crunch.
Rainbow Zest
Use a blend of lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange zest for a colorful, citrus explosion.
Read More: Lemon Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Artful Additions
Extra touches make lemon bars picture perfect.
Fresh Berries
Dot with raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries. Provides bright pops of contrasting flavor and color.
Toasted Coconut
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for texture. Ideal pairing with white chocolate glaze or ganache.
Candied Lemon Slices
Slice very thin lemon slices, boil in simple syrup 10 minutes. Arrange artistically on lemon brownies.
White Chocolate Shavings
Garnish with curls from a vegetable peeler or coarse shavings from a grater. Elegant gourmet touch.
Pretty Piping
Pipe swirls, rosettes or dots on lemon bars with frosting. Can use regular or lemon flavored frosting.
With a simple glaze, chocolate drizzle, or artful garnishes like berries or candied citrus slices, homemade lemon brownies get transformed into professional-worthy treats. Let your creativity shine through! Any of these decorating ideas will highlight the natural flavors of these citrusy, summery bars.