Lemon Brownies Recipe – if you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out on a zesty twist to the classic brownie! This refreshing and tangy dessert will become your new favorite.
Lemon brownies are a unique and delicious dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the rich, buttery texture of brownies. This Lemon Brownies Recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to sophisticated dinner parties. With their bright citrus flavor and soft, chewy texture, these brownies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dessert!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Brownies Recipe
Lemon brownies offer a refreshing twist on the traditional brownie. The tartness of the lemon perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownie, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both unique and irresistible. This Lemon Brownies Recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious brownies in no time.
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, lemon brownies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Their vibrant color and refreshing flavor make them a crowd-pleaser. You can easily customize this Lemon Brownies Recipe to suit your preferences. Add a touch of white chocolate, a sprinkle of poppy seeds, or a dollop of whipped cream to make these brownies your own.
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies Recipe
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious lemon brownies.
For the brownies, you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lemon glaze, you will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know the nutritional value of what you’re eating. Here’s the breakdown for these lemon brownies:
Each serving (approximately 16 servings per batch) contains:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Prep Time and Cooking Time
These lemon brownies are not only delicious but also quick to prepare. The prep time is just 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 20-25 minutes. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these delightful treats.
Cooking Directions for Lemon Brownies Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients and nutritional information, let’s move on to the cooking directions.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure that your brownies don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. The lemon zest and juice will infuse the batter with a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly spread in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should be set but still soft.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Brownies: Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack. Pour the glaze over the warm brownies, allowing it to soak in and set.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Allow the glazed brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help the glaze set properly and make the brownies easier to cut.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Brownies
To ensure your lemon brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense and tough brownies.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter. Conversely, if you like a more tart flavor, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
- Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before cutting the brownies. This will give them a beautiful finish and prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Lemon brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
These lemon brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also dress them up with a few serving suggestions:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense and chewy brownies.
- Fresh Berries: Serve the brownies with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a burst of color and flavor.
- Ice Cream: Pair the brownies with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Tea or Coffee: Lemon brownies make a delightful accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
Customizing Your Lemon Brownies
One of the best things about this Lemon Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- White Chocolate Lemon Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for a rich and creamy twist.
- Poppy Seed Lemon Brownies: Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a bit of texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Lavender Lemon Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the batter for a floral note that complements the lemon.
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lemon glaze, you will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and nutritional information, let's move on to the cooking directions.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure that your brownies don't stick to the pan and are easy to remove once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. The lemon zest and juice will infuse the batter with a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly spread in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should be set but still soft.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Brownies: Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack. Pour the glaze over the warm brownies, allowing it to soak in and set.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Allow the glazed brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help the glaze set properly and make the brownies easier to cut.
