Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the zesty freshness of lemons with the indulgent delight of brownies? If your taste buds are tingling already, you’re in for a treat! Our Lemony Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, bringing a burst of citrusy sunshine to your dessert table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a breeze to make and will earn you rave reviews. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, offer some useful tips, and even share a few variations to suit your taste. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves the tangy and refreshing taste of lemons. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a sweet treat with a twist and enjoy the combination of moist, fudgy brownies with the vibrant flavors of lemon. Whether you’re planning a weekend baking project, a delightful dessert for a family gathering, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these Lemony Lemon Brownies are a great choice.
Why it’s Great
- Unique Flavor: These brownies are a delightful departure from the ordinary. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, citrusy note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownies.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is beginner-friendly, and the steps are straightforward. You don’t need any special baking skills to whip up a batch of these delectable brownies.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have these brownies ready in under an hour. It’s an excellent option for last-minute dessert cravings or surprise guests.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a picnic, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these Lemony Lemon Brownies are versatile and always a hit.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s make sure you have the essential kitchen equipment on hand:
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size for our brownies and will ensure they bake evenly.
- Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: An electric mixer makes combining the ingredients a breeze. If you don’t have one, you can mix the batter by hand, but it will require a bit more effort.
- Lemon Zester: To zest the lemons, you’ll need a lemon zester or a fine grater.
- Rubber Spatula: This handy tool will be used to spread the glaze evenly over the brownies.
- Sifter: To ensure your glaze is smooth, use a sifter to sift the powdered sugar.
Now that you’ve gathered your equipment let’s get baking!
The Recipe: Lemony Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 cup icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready when your brownie batter is prepared.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
- Zest and Juice the Lemons: Zest and juice two lemons and set them aside. The lemon zest and juice are the stars of the show, so make sure you get as much flavor as possible.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine with Lemon Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. It’s essential not to over-bake to keep the brownies moist.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the brownies are cooling, sift the powdered sugar and whisk it with the lemon zest and juice. Spread this zesty glaze over the brownies using a rubber spatula.
- Cut and Serve: Once the glaze has set, cut the brownies into bars and serve. The combination of sweet brownies and tangy lemon glaze is sure to delight your taste buds.
Notes
- To enhance the lemon flavor, you can add a bit of lemon extract to both the brownie batter and the glaze.
- For an extra twist, consider incorporating some poppy seeds into the batter for a subtle crunch and an even more citrusy experience.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought lemon juice and zest?
A: While fresh lemon juice and zest are always preferable for the best flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice and zest in a pinch. Just ensure they are of good quality.
Q: Can I make these brownies in advance?
A: Yes, you can make these brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain delicious and moist.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Brownies: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Raspberry Lemon Brownies: Swap out the blueberries for raspberries for a tangy, colorful twist.
- Lemon Bar Brownies: Top the brownies with a lemon bar-style glaze for an extra zesty kick.
Food and Drink Pairings
These Lemony Lemon Brownies are a fantastic dessert on their own, but they also pair well with various beverages and accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Beverages: Enjoy your brownies with a hot cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate citrus experience.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle some additional lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.