LEMONY LEMON BROWNIES

Indulge your taste buds in a burst of citrus with these Lemony Lemon Brownies, a delightful twist on traditional brownies. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, these bars are a refreshing treat for any occasion. Follow the simple steps below to bring the sunny flavors of lemon into your kitchen.

Cooking time:

baking the brownies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 23 to 25 minutes. However, it’s important to note that oven temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. The brownies should be done when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Ingredients:

For Brownies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 8 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
3. Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice: Zest and juice two lemons and set aside.
4. Prepare Brownie Batter:
   • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Beat until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
   • Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
5. Bake the Brownies:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden. Be careful not to over-bake to prevent the bars from drying out.
6. Cooling: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely before applying the glaze.
7. Prepare Lemon Glaze:
   • In a bowl, sift the powdered sugar.
   • Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the powdered sugar.
   • Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth glaze.
8. Glaze the Brownies:
   • Once the brownies are cooled, spread the prepared lemon glaze over the top using a rubber spatula.
   • Ensure an even layer of glaze and let it set.
9. Cut and Serve:
   • Once the glaze has set, cut the lemony lemon brownies into bars.
   • Serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love It:

1. Citrus Burst: Experience a burst of vibrant citrus flavor with every bite, as the combination of fresh lemon zest and juice elevates these brownies to a whole new level.
2. Zesty and Refreshing: The zesty notes of lemon bring a refreshing twist to traditional brownies, making them a perfect choice for those who enjoy a hint of brightness in their desserts.
3. Simple and Quick: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delightful brownies with minimal effort. Perfect for both experienced bakers and those new to the kitchen.
4. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Enjoy the harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess, ensuring that these brownies are not overly sugary but rather a nuanced and delightful treat for your taste buds.
5. Moist and Creamy Texture: The careful combination of ingredients results in a moist and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Avoiding over-baking is the key to maintaining this irresistible quality.
6. Versatile Delight: Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, as a sweet ending to a dinner party, or just indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, these lemony brownies fit any occasion.
7. Eye-Catching Presentation: The golden edges, coupled with the glossy lemon glaze, create an aesthetically pleasing dessert that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
8. Perfect Pairing with Tea or Coffee: These brownies make an excellent accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage. Enjoy a cozy moment with a cup of tea or coffee, complemented by the bright and uplifting flavors of lemon.
9. Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends and family with a unique dessert that stands out from the ordinary. The delightful combination of flavors ensures that these lemon brownies will be a hit at any gathering.
10. A Taste of Sunshine Anytime: Whether it’s a dreary day or you’re simply craving a taste of sunshine, these Lemony Lemon Brownies are your ticket to brightening up any moment.

How to store it :

1. Room Temperature:
   • Once the lemony lemon brownies are completely cooled and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
   • Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration (Optional):
   • If you prefer a slightly chilled brownie, you can store them in the refrigerator. Again, ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge.
3. Freezing (Long-Term Storage):
   • Lemony lemon brownies can be frozen for longer-term storage. After cooling and cutting into bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
   • Label the container with the date for reference.
   • Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature or reheating.
4. Avoid Moisture:
   • Keep the brownies away from moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy. If storing in the refrigerator, consider placing a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
5. Separate Layers:
   • If stacking brownies in a container, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the appearance of the glaze.
6. Consume Within a Week:
   • For optimal freshness and flavor, it’s recommended to consume the brownies within a week if stored at room temperature. If refrigerated or frozen, they can last longer, but the texture may be slightly different upon thawing.
7. Reheating (Optional):
   • If you prefer warm brownies, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at a low temperature. Be cautious not to overheat to maintain the moist texture.

Tips for Making Lemony Lemon Brownies:

1. Fresh Citrus:
   • Use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice to enhance the vibrant lemon flavor in the brownies.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients:
   • Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and promotes even mixing.
3. Avoid Over-Baking:
   • Keep a close eye on the brownies while baking to prevent over-baking. They are done when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Proper Cooling:
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from becoming too runny.
5. Adjusting Sweetness:
   • If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter. Similarly, if you want a more tangy flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or juice.
6. Add Nuts or Poppy Seeds:
   • For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter. Alternatively, poppy seeds can be a delightful addition for a bit of crunch.
7. Infuse with Herbs:
   • Experiment with flavors by infusing the butter with herbs like thyme or rosemary before incorporating it into the batter. This adds a subtle herbal undertone to the brownies.
8. Lemon Extract:
   • If you want an extra boost of lemon flavor, consider adding a small amount of pure lemon extract to the batter. Be cautious not to overdo it, as extracts can be potent.

Variations:

1. Blueberry Lemon Brownies:
   • Gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of sweetness and a delightful contrast to the lemony flavor.
2. Coconut-Lemon Brownies:
   • Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. Consider using coconut extract in the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Lemon-Lime Brownies:
   • Combine the zests and juices of both lemons and limes for a citrus medley that adds complexity to the brownies.
4. Cream Cheese Swirl:
   • Create a cream cheese swirl by dropping spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese onto the brownie batter before baking. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
5. White Chocolate Drizzle:
   • Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed brownies for an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness.
6. Lemon Lavender Brownies:
   • Infuse the butter with dried culinary lavender for a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the lemony flavor.
7. Gluten-Free Version:
   • Use gluten-free flour to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Popular Questions and Answers: