Lemon Brownies

Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet, zesty treat that strikes the perfect balance between brownie richness and lemony brightness. Lemon brownies are not just an ordinary dessert; they are a delightful explosion of flavor that brings sunshine to any occasion. Whether you are sipping tea with friends or celebrating a special occasion, these lemon brownies offer a refreshing twist that will keep you coming back for more.

Why Make This Recipe

• They effortlessly blend the richness of traditional brownies with the light, tangy essence of lemon.
• The glaze transforms each bite into a sweet and sour masterpiece.
• Perfect for spring gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, these lemon brownies will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Simple Way to Prepare Lemon Brownies

Creating lemon brownies is straightforward and requires just a handful of ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have an irresistible treat that will impress everyone. Let’s get started on your baking adventure.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish for easy removal later.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

5. Stir in the lemon juice and zest until the batter is well incorporated, providing a beautiful fragrance that fills your kitchen with anticipation.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick and have it come out clean.

7. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the dish.

8. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle this over the cooled brownies generously.

9. Cut into squares and serve.

Storing Leftover Lemon Brownies

To keep your delicious lemon brownies fresh and tasty, consider these storage tips:

• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days at 40°F.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil first.
• To enjoy them again, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Brownies

These lemon brownies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with other flavors elevates your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Fresh Berries: Serve a slice of lemon brownie with a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries for a sweet and tart combination.
• A Cup of Tea: The lightness of a floral herbal tea or a classic Earl Grey beautifully complements the vibrant flavors of lemon brownies.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve a slice of brownie alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet. This combination creates a delightful contrast in textures.

Tips to Make Lemon Brownies The Best They Can Be

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the zestiest flavor, use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice. Freshly grated zest packs more punch and brings out the natural essence of lemon.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than the light texture we’re after.
• Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from sliding off.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your lemon brownies! Here are some ideas to swap out or adjust the original recipe:

• Add Poppy Seeds: For a delightful pop of texture and a classic lemon-poppy flavor, consider folding in a couple of tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter before baking.
• Lemon Blueberry Brownies: If you want to add some fruitiness, fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a delightful twist that pairs wonderfully with the lemon flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the brownies up to two days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will be perfect for your gathering.

Q: How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
A: To intensify the lemony goodness, add more lemon zest, or increase the lemon juice slightly. Just make sure that the overall balance of wet ingredients remains the same.

Q: Can I replace the butter with oil?
A: Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute half the butter with vegetable oil. This will give the brownies a slightly different texture while still maintaining moisture.

Additional Sections

Nutritional Info

Understanding the nutritional value can be crucial when baking. Here’s a general estimate per serving if you cut the brownies into 16 squares:

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Keep in mind that adding toppings or changing serving sizes can alter these values.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lemon brownies, a few common pitfalls to watch out for include:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies while they’re baking. They’re perfect when a toothpick comes out clean, but if you overbake, you’ll lose that delicious moist texture.
• Skipping the Glaze: I know it seems tempting to skip the glaze for simplicity, but it truly enhances the flavor and presentation. It’s worth the extra effort!
• Using Old Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder and flour are fresh. Stale ingredients can lead to subpar results.

What to Serve With Lemon Brownies

Lemon brownies pair well with a variety of refreshments and desserts. Here are some to consider:

• Lemonade or iced tea with fresh mint
• Ice cream or gelato for a creamy contrast
• A light salad on the side for a refreshing appetizer

By following these tips, variations, and serving suggestions, your lemon brownies will always be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat, and revel in the sunshine they bring to your dessert table. Happy baking!

Lemon Brownies

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A sweet and zesty treat that perfectly balances the richness of brownies with a refreshing lemon flavor.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and zest until the batter is well incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the brownies cool completely in the dish.
8. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies.
9. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American