Lemon Brownies: A Delightful Zesty Treat
Lemon brownies are a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. With their bright citrus flavor and chewy texture, these treats are perfect for anyone looking for a sweet and tangy dessert. If you love lemon, you’re in for a real treat that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these scrumptious lemon brownies!
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe takes just a few simple steps.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients at home.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a craving for something sweet, these brownies fit the bill.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The zesty flavor is sure to impress friends and family.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Each bite is a burst of lemon goodness that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Ingredients Needed
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Additional lemon juice (for mixing with the powdered sugar)
How to Make Lemon Brownies
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Melt the butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter. This will be the base for your brownie batter.
- Combine sugar and butter: Add the granulated sugar into the melted butter. Mix them until they are well combined.
- Add the eggs and flavors: Crack in the eggs and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour and smooth: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Let the brownies cool completely before drizzling a glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice on top.
How to Serve Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are delicious on their own, but for a special touch, serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few lemon slices for garnish. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them at your next gathering.
How to Store Lemon Brownies
To keep your lemon brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Lemon Brownies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Add Extras: Consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Coconut Lemon Brownies: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lemon extract instead of juice?
Yes! You can substitute lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make gluten-free lemon brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze lemon brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Lemon brownies are a delightful, zesty treat that everyone will love. They are quick to make, use simple ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and if you enjoyed making these brownies, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your baking adventures on social media, and let us know any variations you tried below!
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Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon brownies are a refreshing twist on traditional brownies, featuring a bright citrus flavor and chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Additional lemon juice (for mixing with the powdered sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter.
- Add the granulated sugar into the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Crack in the eggs, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool completely before drizzling a glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice on top.
Notes
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and lemon slices. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg