Lemon Brownies are the ultimate dessert for me — the one that immediately transports me back to warm, sunny days spent with friends and family.
The first time I baked them for a spring picnic, they brought the scent of zesty lemon into the kitchen and our yard, suggesting something refreshing and sweet.
These lemon brownies are a winning combination of zesty lemon flavor and soft creamy texture, a surprising change up from the bar you’re used to!
Made with freshly grated lemon zest, tangy juice, and a rich, fudgy base, the cookies can go either casual for an impromptu get together or a special seasonal celebration. You’ll even figure out why is it all so unique once you try them out for a while!
My Journey to Creating the Perfect Lemon Brownies
My quest for the perfect homemade lemon brownies was filled with trials and errors. I aimed to create a lemon brownie recipe that was moist, flavourful, and visually appealing.
I discovered how crucial it is to use fresh lemons and find the ideal ingredient combination for the best possible taste and texture.
Some key takeaways from my journey include:
- Using high-quality, fresh lemons is crucial for an authentic lemon flavor.
- Achieving the right balance of sweet and tart is essential for a well-rounded taste experience.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in dense rather than fudgy brownies.
By following these tips and refining my lemon brownie recipe, I created a truly exceptional dessert that showcases the brightness and warmth of the lemon.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning, I encourage you to try out various ingredients and techniques to discover your ideal homemade lemon brownies.
With perseverance, practice, and a willingness to learn, you can make a delicious lemon brownie recipe that will wow your friends and family.
How to Make Lemon Brownies
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 200
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (8 inches square)
Ingredients
For the Lemon Brownies
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Once the brownies are cool, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glaze set before cutting the brownies into squares.
Tips and Variations
- Enhance the Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of lemony goodness, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
- White Chocolate Addition: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, creamy contrast to the tangy lemon.
- Storage Tips: Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For more extended storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage and Freshness Tips
To keep your lemon brownies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled
texture, refrigerate them for up to a week. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For more extended storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Video Tutorial
Variations and Flavor Twists
Looking to put a unique spin on your lemon brownies? Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: For a fruity twist, Fold in ½ cups of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. The burst of blueberries pairs beautifully with the lemony flavor.
- Lemon Brownies with White Chocolate – Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet and creamy balance to the tangy lemon.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: To make a gluten-free version that’s just as fudgy, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Tangy Version: To intensify the lemon flavor, Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a bit more zest.
- Nutty Lemon Brownies – Mix in ½ cup of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
- Coconut Lemon Brownies – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the glaze for a tropical flair.
Conclusion
Lemon Brownies are a delicious soft and chewy lemon squares, amazing lemon brownies.yummy texture all around with a super delicious and refreshing lemon glaze cooling!
With a fudgy, soft texture and the lovely bright flavor of citrus, these cookies will become a new favorite in your recipe file. For a special event or even just as an occasional sweet treat, these lemon brownies can be a real treat.
Have a bash at this recipe and send us a picture of your creation! As always, feel free to ask any questions, share tips, or even let us know how your batch turns out – we love hearing from you! Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Freeze Lemon Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze lemon brownies. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter and more natural flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.
Why Are My Brownies Dry?
Overbaking is a common cause of dry brownies. Be sure to check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch to the fudgy texture of these lemon brownies.
Fold about ½ cups of your preferred nuts into the batter before baking.
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Once the brownies are cool, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glaze set before cutting the brownies into squares.
Notes
- For a bolder lemon flavor, use Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and more fragrant than regular lemons.
- Avoid overmixing the batter—this will keep your brownies soft, fluffy, and tender.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the glaze. If they’re too warm, the glaze will melt into the brownies instead of resting on top.
- If you desire a thicker glaze, slightly reduce the amount of lemon juice or sift the powdered sugar before mixing for a smoother result consistency.
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