Baking can be such a delightful experience, and today, we’re diving into a sweet treat that’s a little different from your everyday brownie. Imagine bright, zesty flavors dancing on your taste buds. That’s exactly what you get with these Lemon Brownies! They are incredibly easy to whip up, and the fresh lemon juice and zest will make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
Whether you’re looking for a sunny dessert for a gathering or just a little something to brighten your afternoon tea, these brownies are perfect. They have that lovely balance of sweetness and a tangy pop from the lemons. Plus, they’re just as simple to make as your classic brownie, offering a refreshing twist that will impress both family and friends. Let’s get started!
why make this recipe
Lemon Brownies are a delightful change of pace from traditional chocolate brownies. The bright citrus flavor brings a lightness you don’t often find in desserts, making them perfect for warm days or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. They’re easy to make, and since they’re also made with simple pantry ingredients, you probably have everything you need right at home!
With the glaze on top, they look fabulous too, making them a great choice for parties. Plus, who doesn’t love the refreshing taste of lemon? Trust me; once you try these, you’ll be smiling with every bite.
how to make Lemon Brownies
Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan to make removal easy later on.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Then mix in the granulated sugar until everything is combined—it’s okay if it’s still a bit warm!
- Add in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re done.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and remaining lemon juice until it’s smooth. Once the brownies are cool, spread the glaze on top for that final touch of sweetness.
- Finally, cut them into squares and enjoy!
how to serve Lemon Brownies
These Lemon Brownies are delightful on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. I love pairing them with a cup of tea or a refreshing lemonade on a sunny afternoon. You can also dress them up with some fresh berries for a pop of color. They make a beautiful presentation for gatherings!
how to store Lemon Brownies
To keep your Lemon Brownies nice and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, and they’ll last about a week. Just be sure to let them warm up a bit before enjoying!
tips to make Lemon Brownies
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor! The zest really packs a punch. If you want an even stronger lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon juice to the batter.
- Keep an eye on your brownies while they bake! Every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
- If you adore lemon, consider trying these alongside other citrus treats. They make a lovely contrast with something like lemon bars.
variation
For a fun twist, you can add some white chocolate chips to the batter. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the tartness of the lemon beautifully. You can also try switching up the glaze—add a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor!
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind the brownies might not taste as vibrant.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Check with a toothpick! Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven.
Can I freeze the Lemon Brownies?
Absolutely! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
If you’re looking for more delicious treats, you may also enjoy baking some blueberry muffins, trying out classic chocolate chip cookies, or even whipping up some lovely peach cobbler!
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Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, zesty Lemon Brownies with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, ideal for any gathering or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a large bowl and mix in the granulated sugar until combined.
- Add in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and remaining lemon juice until smooth. Once the brownies are cool, spread the glaze on top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Keep an eye on your brownies while they bake, as every oven is different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon brownies, dessert, sweet treat, baking, citrus dessert
