Name: Lemon Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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These Lemon Brownies are the perfect blend of tart and sweet. They bring the refreshing zing of lemon combined with the softness of a classic brownie, topped off with a mouthwatering lemon glaze. Every bite is a burst of citrusy goodness that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Lemon Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

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

Directions

I begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, I cream the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

I then beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure they’re well incorporated. After that, I add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined.

Once the batter is ready, I pour it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

I bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the brownies cool, I prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Once the brownies have completely cooled, I drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

I slice them into squares and enjoy the zesty, sweet treat!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 9

Variations

I love experimenting with different variations of these lemon brownies, and there are several ways you can customize them:

Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

Blueberry Lemon Brownies: Stir in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I usually store leftover lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Reheating: I love having them fresh out of the oven, but if I have leftovers, I gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until they’re slightly soft. The glaze stays delicious, and they taste just as fresh as the day they were made!

FAQs

How can I make sure the lemon brownies are not too dry?

To keep the brownies moist, make sure not to overbake them. I always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for these lemon brownies?

While fresh lemon juice is always my top choice for its bright, fresh flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, I find that fresh lemon juice gives the best zing and fragrance.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These lemon brownies are perfect for making ahead. I like to bake them the day before and store them in an airtight container. They’ll still taste delicious the next day, especially with the glaze on top.

Can I freeze lemon brownies?

Absolutely! If I want to store them for a longer period, I wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When I’m ready to eat them, I let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a quick warm-up.

How do I get the glaze to set perfectly?

I find that the glaze sets best when the brownies have cooled completely before applying it. That way, the glaze doesn’t melt into the brownies but sits nicely on top for a glossy finish.

Conclusion

These Lemon Brownies are an easy yet indulgent treat that’s sure to brighten your day. Whether you're craving a fresh, citrusy dessert or need something quick and simple to bake for an event, these brownies hit the spot. They offer the best of both worlds with their delicate balance of sweetness and tartness, and the addition of the lemon glaze is a game-changer. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) these as much as I do.

Recipe

Lemon Brownies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Brownies are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a refreshing lemon zing paired with a soft brownie texture, topped with a tangy lemon glaze.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth to make the glaze.
Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.
Slice into squares and enjoy!