If you love bright citrus desserts, these Lime Brownies are about to become a new favorite. Don’t let the name fool you; there’s no chocolate here. They’re called brownies because of their chewy texture (it’s exactly like biting into a chewy brownie!), but they eat more like a soft, citrusy blondie bursting with fresh lime flavor and topped with a sweet-tart lime glaze. They are based on my (very) popular Lemon Brownies. But, if you’re as obsessed with lime desserts as I am, be sure to try my Key Lime Pie Bars, too.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives these bars their rich flavor and soft, chewy texture. If using salted butter, reduce the kosher salt slightly.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the lime.
- Eggs: Help create structure while keeping the brownies tender. Room-temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter. Out of eggs? Check out my egg substitutes to try!
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides the bright citrus flavor that makes these brownies shine. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh delivers the best flavor.
- Lime Zest: Adds concentrated lime flavor without extra liquid. Be sure to zest only the green outer layer of the peel.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownies structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a tender texture and keeps the bars from becoming too dense.
- Baking Powder: Provides a little lift while maintaining the brownies’ chewy bite.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the citrus flavor.
- Lime Glaze: A simple mixture of confectioners’ sugar and fresh lime juice adds an extra layer of sweet-tart lime flavor and gives the brownies a beautiful finish.
Tips for the Best Lime Brownies
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the flour disappears to keep the texture soft and chewy.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest: Fresh citrus makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Watch the bake time closely: Slightly underbaked is better than overbaked for that tender blondie texture.
- Glaze while warm: Pour the glaze over the brownies while they’re still warm so it slightly soaks in, then sets into a thin, sweet-tart layer on top.
FAQs
Why are they called lime brownies if there’s no chocolate?
These bars are called brownies because of their chewy, dense texture. While they don’t contain chocolate, they have a similar bite and richness to traditional brownies. They are often compared to blondies with a bright citrus twist.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes. Chopped macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, or shredded coconut all pair well with the lime flavor. Fold about ½ to 1 cup into the batter before baking. Keep in mind that mix-ins may slightly change the texture and baking time.
Can I make these without the glaze or use a different one?
Yes. The brownies are delicious on their own if you prefer to skip the glaze. They’ll be slightly less sweet but still soft, chewy, and full of lime flavor. You can also switch things up with a different glaze, such as a vanilla glaze, cream cheese glaze, or even a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a simpler finish.
Can I make lime brownies ahead of time?
Yes. Lime brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. The glaze will have time to set, making them easy to slice and serve.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Can I freeze lime brownies?
Yes. Once the brownies have cooled completely and the glaze has set, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Store Lime Brownies
Room Temperature: Store lime brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place so the glaze stays set.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The brownies will stay moist, and the lime flavor actually becomes a bit more pronounced as they sit. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled and glazed brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Lime Brownies
Ingredients
Lime Brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (61 g) fresh lime juice, from about 3 to 4 limes
- 1 teaspoon lime zest, from 1 to 2 limes
- 2 ½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Lime Glaze
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
Lime Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until fully combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lime juice and lime zest until incorporated.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Lime Glaze
- While the brownies bake, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the warm brownies and spread it into an even layer.
- Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing and serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
