Lemon brownies are a delightful treat with a sweet and zesty twist. These soft, tender bars are perfect for any occasion. With a bright lemon flavor, they bring sunshine to your plate. Enjoy these warm or chilled, either way they’re a hit!
Why You Will Love This Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are easy to make and taste amazing. They are a lovely mix of sweet and tart, which makes them so refreshing. You can whip them up quickly with simple ingredients found in most kitchens. Perfect for family gatherings or for just a cozy snack at home, they are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Lemon Brownies
Making lemon brownies is simple and fun. You’ll mix wet and dry ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, and bake. In no time, you’ll have beautiful, golden bars that smell heavenly. Let them cool a bit, then enjoy a tasty treat!
What You Need
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well combined.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
How to Serve Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a lovely dessert at picnics or family dinners. You could even serve them with fresh berries for an extra fruity touch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them look even more inviting.
How to Store Lemon Brownies
To keep your lemon brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy again, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps them tender.
- If you like a stronger lemon taste, add a bit more zest.
- Let them cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- These brownies can be served warm or chilled.
Variations & Swaps
- Try adding a layer of cream cheese frosting for a special treat.
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
- For a fun twist, mix in some white chocolate chips.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely nutty flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.
Can I freeze lemon brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic and freeze them for up to a month.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
How can I reheat them?
Microwave them for 10-15 seconds to warm them up without drying them out.
What should I do if they turn out dry?
Checking for doneness a few minutes early can help. If they are dry, serve with a scoop of ice cream to add moisture!
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest Freshly grated
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well combined.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
