There’s something about lemon brownies, affectionately dubbed "lemonies," that feels like a hug on a plate. Imagine biting into a soft, moist treat that combines the sweetness of sugar with a zesty citrus kick. It’s like a little sunny explosion of flavor in your mouth, brightening even the cloudiest of days. Now, let me take you on a journey through my favorite recipe, one that I often whip up when I’m craving something both comforting and refreshing. You see, these lemon brownies have a special place in my heart—they remind me of warm afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who always seemed to sprinkle a little extra love into every dish she made.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why not elevate your dessert game with these luscious lemon brownies? They are not just another sweet treat; they bring a unique blend of tangy brightness that dances on your palate. The symphony of buttery richness balanced by vibrant lemon zest and juice is truly something special. The texture? Oh, it’s soft and chewy, unlike any brownie you’ve had before. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!
If you’re craving a slice of summer, even in the dead of winter, this recipe is your gateway. These brownies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying on your own with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to make a new batch!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need for this delicious endeavor:
- 1 cup unsalted butter: The foundation of any great dessert. It adds that rich, creamy undeniable depth. Feel free to substitute with coconut oil if you’re going dairy-free.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: This will sweeten the deal, balancing the tartness from the lemons. I wouldn’t recommend substitutes here unless you’re using a specific sugar alternative.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that also adds moisture. Room temperature eggs yield the best results, so let them sit out for a bit.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A warm hug in the form of flavor. It rounds out the sweetness beautifully. Pure vanilla is always preferable, but you can use imitation if needed.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides structure and stability. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances sweetness beautifully. It may seem minimal, but don’t skip it!
- Zest of 2 lemons: This is where the magic truly begins! The zest will infuse your brownies with intoxicating aroma and flavor. Make sure to finely grate it.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the show! It provides the necessary tartness you’ll love.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Adds an extra touch of sweetness and that signature shiny finish. You can whip up your own by blending granulated sugar if you’re in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze): Just a bit to loosen up the glaze and tie everything together.
Preparing Lemon Brownies (Lemonies)
Now comes the fun part—let’s whip these lemonies up!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Once it’s all melted and silky, stir in the granulated sugar until well combined; this creates the perfect foundation.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential for a smooth batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, and feel the warmth of that delightful aroma fill your kitchen!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Get everything well-combined here—it ensures even flavor distribution.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the buttery wet mixture; stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s a precarious balance!
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on these beauties!
- While they’re baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and the remaining lemon juice until smooth—you’ll want it to be a glossy drizzle.
- Once those brownies are baking glory are done, let them cool completely before drizzling that shiny glaze on top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy—maybe even share if you’re feeling generous!
Best way to enjoy it
How do you serve these little gems? Well, for something magical, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the tartness beautifully. Fresh berries on the side—think blueberries or raspberries—also add a lovely pop of flavor and color. Feeling fancy? Dust with some extra powdered sugar right before serving!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Looking to store your lemonies? They’re best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge. They can also be frozen—individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just defrost at room temperature.
Extra tips and advice
- Don’t rush the cooling process! If you glaze the brownies before they’re completely cool, the glaze will melt and not hold its shape—trust me, you want that beautiful shiny finish.
- For an elevated experience, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze. That sweet and salty contrast is pure bliss!
- If you want to experiment, try adding some dried cranberries or chopped nuts to the batter for a delightful twist!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You might want to try flavor variations. Incorporate herbs like rosemary or basil for an intriguing herbal twist. Substituting half of the lemon juice for lime juice brings a zippy change as well. Can’t get enough of chocolate? Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the glaze for a surprising twist!
Common questions
- What’s the prep time? About 15 minutes, not counting bake time!
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! They actually taste even better the next day—just store them as mentioned.
- What should I serve with them? Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a cappuccino as a pick-me-up!
- Can I freeze them? Yes! Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
- What’s a good alternative for granulated sugar? You can use coconut sugar or a sweetener like agave syrup, but keep an eye on liquid adjustments.
Give these lemon brownies a try, and let them become a delightful part of your baking repertoire. They’re not just a treat—they’re a celebration of flavor and zest! So roll up your sleeves, don your apron, and enjoy every delightful moment of making these beauties. And please, do come back and tell me how they turned out! Happy baking, my friend!
Lemon Brownies (Lemonies)
Description
Soft and chewy lemon brownies, affectionately known as 'lemonies', perfect for any occasion.Ingredients
Brownies
Glaze
Instructions
Prepare the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Combine well.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Let the brownies cool completely before drizzling the glaze on top.
- Cut into squares and serve.Enjoy with whipped cream, ice cream, and berries!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Potassium 50mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 300 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 20 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
