Lemon Brownie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Brownies are a fun and unique dessert that offers the best of both worlds: the dense, soft texture of a brownie with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon. The buttery, lemon-infused batter melts in your mouth, while the lemon glaze on top adds a refreshing, sweet-tart finish. These brownies are easy to make, full of fresh citrus flavor, and perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for a new dessert, these brownies are sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the lemon brownies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the lemon glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (it should not be completely clean, as you want the brownies to stay fudgy). Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

5. Make the lemon glaze: While the brownies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny.

6. Glaze the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled slightly, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

7. Serve: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 (depending on how large you cut the squares)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Brownies: Add a handful of fresh blueberries to the brownie batter before baking for a burst of juicy fruit and a great flavor contrast with the lemon.

• Coconut Lemon Brownies: Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist.

• Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a fun lemon poppy seed variation.

• Raspberry Lemon Brownies: Layer fresh raspberries on top of the brownie batter before baking, or fold them into the batter for a delicious fruity contrast to the tart lemon.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about an hour.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just keep in mind that fresh lemons give a brighter, more natural flavor.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these lemon brownies. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I make the lemon brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the brownies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making them just as delicious (if not better) the next day.

Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze adds a nice sweet-tart finish to the brownies, but if you prefer, you can skip it. The brownies are still delicious without the glaze and can be served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use a different citrus for the glaze?

Absolutely! You can use orange juice or lime juice instead of lemon for the glaze for a different citrusy flavor. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the brownies slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You don’t want it completely clean because you want the brownies to remain soft and fudgy. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

Conclusion

Lemon Brownies are a refreshing and unique twist on the traditional brownie, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. The bright citrus flavor combined with the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon treat, or bringing them to a gathering, these Lemon Brownies will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. With their easy preparation and delightful flavor, they’re sure to become one of your go-to desserts!

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