Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. As someone who has always been captivated by the balance of sweet and tart, I find that Lemon Brownies offer a refreshing alternative to the usual chocolate treats. This recipe has its roots in American baking, where the love for citrus-infused desserts has flourished over the years, making it a beloved choice for gatherings and family celebrations.
People adore Lemon Brownies not just for their unique flavor profile, but also for their incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth. The convenience of whipping up this recipe in a single bowl makes it a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or enjoying them as a cozy afternoon snack, Lemon Brownies are sure to brighten your day and leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that perfectly marries the richness of brownies with the invigorating essence of lemon!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for glaze)
Preparing the Batter
Let’s get started on these delicious lemon brownies! First, I like to preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for our batter. While that’s heating up, I gather all my ingredients and get my baking pan ready. I usually use a 9×13 inch baking dish, which I grease lightly with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, I pour in the melted butter. It’s important that the butter is not too hot, just warm enough to mix well with the sugar.
- Next, I add the granulated sugar to the bowl. Using a whisk, I mix the butter and sugar together until it’s well combined and smooth.
- Now, I crack in the four large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making the brownies light and fluffy.
- After the eggs are fully mixed in, I add the tablespoon of vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla combined with lemon is simply delightful!
- In a separate bowl, I combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Now, I gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. I want to be careful not to overmix, just until the flour is incorporated.
- Next, I add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the batter. The zest adds a wonderful burst of flavor, and the juice gives it that tangy kick. I fold these in gently until everything is well combined.
Baking the Brownies
With the batter ready, it’s time to bake these lemon brownies!
- I pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Once the oven is preheated, I place the baking dish in the center rack and bake for about 25-30 minutes. I keep an eye on them, and I know they’re done when the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- After baking, I remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the brownies to set up a bit more.
- Once they are cool enough to handle, I carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper (if I used it) and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
While the brownies are cooling, I like to prepare the lemon glaze. This adds an extra layer of lemony goodness!
- In a small bowl, I sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Then, I add the two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and the teaspoon of lemon zest to the powdered sugar. Using a whisk, I mix everything together until it’s smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, I can add a little more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until I reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Brownies
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble and finish off these lemon brownies!
- Once the brownies are completely cool, I place them back on the serving platter or keep them on the wire rack.
- I drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of
Conclusion:
In summary, these Lemon Brownies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of sunshine to their dessert repertoire. The perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet, fudgy goodness makes them a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a birthday party, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these brownies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness, or sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a tropical flair. You could even experiment with different citrus flavors, like lime or orange, to create your own unique version of these delicious Lemon Brownies. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve baked up a batch, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? How did your friends and family react? Share your thoughts and photos, and let’s spread the love for these delightful Lemon Brownies together! Happy baking! Print
Lemon Brownies: The Ultimate Recipe for a Zesty Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
Description
These zesty lemon brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring a rich lemon flavor and a sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. Perfect for a bright and refreshing dessert!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, sift the powdered sugar into a small bowl, then mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice if necessary.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- These lemon brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and save some for later!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
