When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. Or at least that’s what I used to think until I discovered the tropical joy of Lemon Brownies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy treat that bursts with zesty lemon flavor it’s like sunshine in dessert form! These vibrant squares are not just a sweet indulgence; they’re a celebration of citrus goodness that dances on your taste buds and brightens even the gloomiest of days.
I first made these delightful Lemon Brownies for a family gathering, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than my resolve to eat healthy. My aunt’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning when she took her first bite. Now imagine the scene a table full of desserts, yet everyone is clamoring for these little yellow squares of happiness. You won’t just want to make them; you’ll want to share them (or not).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly simple to whip up in no time at all
- The bright flavors create a refreshing twist on traditional brownies
- Visually appealing with their sunny yellow hue, they steal the show at any gathering
- Perfect for brunches or as an afternoon snack paired with tea or coffee
One time, I served these Lemon Brownies at a picnic, and let’s just say there were no leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-purpose flour: Use this pantry staple as the base for your brownies; it’s versatile and easy to work with.
- Granulated sugar: Sweeten up the lemony tang; adjust based on personal taste if you love extra sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Freshly grated zest adds an intense citrus aroma and flavor that makes these brownies unforgettable.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for rich moisture; it helps achieve that decadent brownie texture.
- Eggs: These bind everything together while adding richness; room temperature eggs work best for better mixing.
- Baking powder: This ensures your brownies rise perfectly without becoming too cake-like.
- Powdered sugar: Dust on top after baking for that beautiful finishing touch and added sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This small step saves you from brownie heartbreak later.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently until it’s fully liquid but not bubbling. Let it cool slightly before moving on.
: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in all-purpose flour and baking powder using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our brownies chewy!
Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Give it a gentle shake so it settles nicely into every corner.
Bake Away!: Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove from oven and allow cooling in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares trust me; it looks fancy!
Now go ahead slice into those zesty squares of heaven! With each bite of these Lemon Brownies, you’ll be transported straight to summer picnics or sunny afternoons spent lounging outside. The combination of chewy texture with tangy sweetness is pure bliss!
Your friends will be begging you for this recipe (just don’t tell them how easy it is)! Whether enjoyed solo or at gatherings with loved ones, these delightful treats are bound to create lasting memories after all, who can resist such sunshine-packed goodness?
You Must Know
- Lemon brownies are a delightful mix of tart and sweet, offering a perfect treat for any occasion
- Their bright flavor makes them stand out, and they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee
- Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by zesting and juicing the lemons before mixing your batter. This ensures you capture all that citrus flavor right from the get-go, making your lemon brownies irresistible.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of coconut for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you could swap in different citrus like lime for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you need to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your lemon brownies fluffier, beat the eggs until frothy before mixing in other ingredients
- Ensure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges
There’s something magical about sharing food with loved ones. I once made these lemon brownies for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than I could say “dessert.” My cousin even asked if I’d consider opening a bakery too flattering!
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice for lemon brownies?
Using fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled varieties.
How do I know when my lemon brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with few crumbs.
Can I freeze lemon brownies?
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings
Description
Lemon Brownies are a tangy-sweet delight, blending chewy texture with vibrant citrus flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a treat to brighten your day!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Baking powder
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat; let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined; avoid overmixing for chewy brownies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
