Lemon Brownies

introduction

Lemon brownies, also known as lemon bars, are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. They bring a bright and zesty flavor that can brighten any day. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet-tart lemon taste, they are perfect for dessert or a snack.

why make this recipe

You should make lemon brownies because they are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients you likely already have at home. They make a great treat for gatherings, picnics, or simply for enjoying a slice while relaxing. The lemony goodness is refreshing, and the powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness. Plus, they look beautiful when plated!

how to make Lemon Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar until well blended.
3. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

how to serve Lemon Brownies

Serve lemon brownies on a platter, either plain or dusted with powdered sugar. They pair nicely with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.

how to store Lemon Brownies

To store lemon brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For extended storage, consider freezing the cut squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

tips to make Lemon Brownies

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may not taste as fresh.
• Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting to get clean edges.
• Experiment with adding some poppy seeds or chopped nuts for extra texture.

variation

You can try adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist. Also, consider drizzling a lemon glaze on top for added sweetness and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for fresh lemon juice. Use about 1 teaspoon of extract instead of the lemon juice.

2. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

3. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, lemon brownies can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.

Lemon Brownies

Print Recipe

Delightful lemon brownies with a bright and zesty flavor, perfect for dessert or a snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. Combine melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until well blended.
3. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Let brownies cool completely for clean cuts.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon bars, dessert, baking, sweet treats