Why make this recipe
Lemon brownies, or "lemonies," are a refreshing twist on traditional brownies. They are perfect for anyone who loves the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. These delicious treats are great for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the vibrant yellow color makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table!
How to make Lemon Brownies
Making lemon brownies is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of these tangy delights.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutriments benefits
Lemon brownies do not just taste good; they also include ingredients that can provide health benefits:
- Lemons: Packed with vitamin C, lemons boost your immune system and aid digestion.
- Butter: Provides essential fatty acids and helps in absorbing other nutrients.
- Eggs: A great source of protein and contain important vitamins and minerals.
While these treats should be enjoyed in moderation, they can offer a little nutrition along with their sweetness!
What to Serve With Lemon Brownies
Lemon brownies are wonderful on their own, but you can enhance your dessert experience by serving them with some delicious pairings:
| Pairings | Description |
|————————–|———————————————–|
| Whipped cream | Light and fluffy, it adds a creamy texture. |
| Fresh berries | Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the tartness of the lemon. |
| Ice cream | Vanilla or lemon sorbet can provide a cool contrast. |
| Tea or lemonade | A refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with the sweet tang of lemonies. |
Why You’ll Love This
These lemon brownies are not only easy to make, but they also strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The glaze adds an extra burst of lemon flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Their bright color and delightful taste make them a joy to serve at any occasion. Furthermore, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a dessert after dinner.
How to store Lemon Brownies
To keep your lemon brownies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: You can freeze lemon brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough.
- Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for zest and juice. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t taste the same.
- Avoid opening the oven door too early: Opening the oven door can lead to uneven baking. Wait until the minimum baking time has passed before checking for doneness.
- Cool completely before glazing: Allow the brownies to cool before adding the glaze, or it may melt and slide off.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies: Stir 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Chia Seed Lemon Brownies: Substitute half the butter with apple sauce and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for a healthier option.
- Lemon Coconut Brownies: Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but it may change the texture slightly. Unsalted butter is preferred for a rich flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also provides moisture and structure to the brownies.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a much brighter and fresher flavor, which is essential for this recipe.
Enjoy making these delightful lemon brownies! They are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll be indulging in a sweet, zesty treat in no time.
Print
Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing twist on traditional brownies, these lemon brownies, or ‘lemonies’, are perfect for spring and summer gatherings with their sweet and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
