Lemon brownies are like sunshine on a plate—bright, zesty, and utterly irresistible! Imagine biting into a square of these golden delights with their soft, chewy texture and that tangy flavor bursting in your mouth. These little treats are the perfect balance of sweet and tart; you might even feel guilty about finishing an entire batch. But fear not; it’s practically a serving of fruit!
I remember the first time I made these lemon brownies. It was a sunny afternoon, and my friends were coming over for a picnic. I wanted to impress them with something more than just the usual cookies. The aroma of fresh lemons filled my kitchen as I whipped up the batter—trust me; it was an experience worth every second. Perfect for get-togethers or simply snuggling up on the couch with a good book, these lemon brownies create delightful moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lemon brownies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort
- They burst with flavor from fresh lemons that brighten up any day
- Their sunny appearance makes them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a solo treat during those cozy evenings at home
I made these lemon brownies for my sister’s birthday last year, and they disappeared faster than you can say “sugar rush.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best for achieving that perfect brownie texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal while balancing out the tartness of the lemons.
- Baking Powder: Helps these treats rise beautifully and gives them that lightness.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Fresh Lemons: Use juicy lemons for zesting and juicing; they bring brightness to this dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overwhelming the lemon flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture for fudgy goodness.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; it’s like fairy dust but tastier!
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 an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 1 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Stir it occasionally to avoid burning.
Add Sugar and Eggs: Combine melted butter with granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add two large eggs one at a time while whisking vigorously until well blended.
Zest and Juice Your Lemons: Grate the zest from two fresh lemons into your mixture, then squeeze in their juice (about 1/4 cup). Nothing says “zesty” like fresh lemons!
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined.
Pour into Baking Dish: Spread your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. It should look glossy and inviting!
Bake Away! Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges. You’ll know they’re done when you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
Once cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar before cutting into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Enjoy your homemade lemon brownies! They pair perfectly with coffee or tea—just be careful not to eat them all in one sitting!
You Must Know
- These Lemon Brownies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart
- The zesty lemon flavor paired with rich, fudgy texture makes them irresistible
- Remember to let them cool completely for that perfect chewy finish
- They are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and lining your baking dish with parchment paper. Mix the wet ingredients before gradually folding in the dry ones for smooth batter. This sequence ensures even mixing and saves you from a flour explosion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add poppy seeds for texture or drizzle some lemon glaze on top for an extra sweetness. You can also swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier twist that still tastes amazing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Reheat briefly in the microwave, just enough to soften but not melt.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Lemon Brownies, use fresh lemons for zesty flavor and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a soft texture
- Let them cool completely before cutting; this enhances their chewy quality and keeps them from falling apart
The first time I made these Lemon Brownies was during a family reunion, and they quickly became my grandma’s favorite dessert. She insisted on taking home leftovers, which never happened because they disappeared so fast!
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Brownies?
Using fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
How do I know when my Lemon Brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
Can I freeze Lemon Brownies for later?
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container before freezing.
Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Brownies offer a burst of zesty lemon flavor combined with a fudgy brownie texture, making them a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until blended.
- Zest and juice the lemons, adding to the mixture.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden; test with a toothpick for doneness.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
