Description
Lemon Brownies bring a zesty twist to your favorite dessert with a tangy, sunshine-filled treat that melts in your mouth. Creamy, smooth, and packed with citrus charm, these bars deliver a refreshing bite that makes your taste buds dance with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2–3 lemons)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute salt evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1½ cups granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate 4 large room-temperature eggs into the butter mixture, adding one at a time and mixing completely between each addition.
- Fold in 2 tablespoons lemon zest, ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are fully integrated.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until the flour disappears, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Use gentle motions to create a smooth surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The brownies are done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely for about 1 hour.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies, using a spatula to spread it to the edges. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Check brownies at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking, as they should remain moist and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in the glaze and batter.
- Room temperature eggs and butter blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform texture in the brownies.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg