If you’re a fan of all things citrus, you’ll absolutely love this recipe for Lemony Lemon Brownies! These brownies are the perfect balance of tangy, zesty lemon and the comforting richness of a traditional brownie. Imagine a dense, moist cake-like texture with a burst of fresh lemon flavor in every bite — that’s what these brownies deliver! They are the perfect treat for spring and summer or any time you need a quick pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. They’ve quickly become a favorite in my household, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.
What is Lemony Lemon Brownies Recipe?
Lemony Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate brownie. Instead of the usual chocolate base, these brownies are infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, offering a bright and refreshing citrusy flavor. The texture is somewhere between a lemon cake and a brownie — a bit dense but not too heavy, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The tangy lemon flavor is complemented by a sweet lemon glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and a gorgeous glossy finish. It’s an ideal dessert for any lemon lover!
Why You’ll Love This Lemony Lemon Brownies
Lemony Lemon Brownies are a treat that everyone in your family will enjoy, from kids to adults. They are quick to prepare, bake, and serve, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, so you don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull off these beauties. Plus, the lemony kick adds a fresh, summery twist to your typical brownie experience.
These brownies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a little extra indulgence. They’re also great for picnics, potlucks, or as an after-school snack for the kiddos. You’ll love how these brownies are both sweet and tangy, comforting yet refreshing at the same time.
How to Make This Lemony Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour into the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownies are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan.
- Serve. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Lemony Lemon Brownies Recipe
These Lemony Lemon Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with a few extra touches to elevate the experience. Here are some serving suggestions:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creamy, rich flavor of vanilla pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon.
- Whipped cream or mascarpone: For an extra indulgent treat, top with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a lovely tart contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
- Iced tea or lemonade: Complement the citrusy flavor with a refreshing iced drink.
Top Tips
- Fresh lemons are key. The zest and juice from fresh lemons really bring out the bright, bold flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- Let the brownies cool completely. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner, more even slices.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can increase the sugar by ¼ cup, but be sure not to go overboard — the lemon flavor should still shine through.
Storing and Reheating
To store your Lemony Lemon Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply pop the brownies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the rest of your ingredients (like baking powder and butter) are gluten-free as well.
How can I make these brownies more tangy?
If you want even more lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or increase the lemon juice by a tablespoon. You could also experiment with adding a little lemon extract for an additional boost.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work. However, fresh zest will give your brownies a stronger citrus aroma and flavor.
Are these brownies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The balance of sweetness and tartness makes them ideal for kids. Plus, the texture is soft and easy to eat.
How can I make the brownies more fudgy?
For a more fudgy texture, reduce the baking time slightly and increase the amount of butter by a tablespoon. You can also add a little extra egg for a richer texture.
Conclusion
These Lemony Lemon Brownies are a perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive summer picnic. With their fresh, tangy flavor and soft, chewy texture, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook looking for a quick dessert or someone seeking a special treat to share with friends, these brownies deliver on both ease and taste. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a fun, refreshing drink — either way, they’ll brighten your day.
Happy baking!
Lemony Lemon Brownies Recipe
Kochutensilien
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula for mixing
Zutaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest from about 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Anleitungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional), cut into squares, and serve.
