Description: A delightful twist on the classic brownie, these Easy Lemon Brownies offer a bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. The chewy texture combined with the tangy lemon glaze creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. These brownies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and steps, making them a perfect treat for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest (from 4-5 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the brownies in, allowing them to bake evenly. Next, line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment paper serves a dual purpose: it prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan, making them easy to remove, and it simplifies cleanup. Ensure the parchment paper extends over the sides of the pan, creating “handles” that you can use to lift the brownies out later.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking is crucial for ensuring these ingredients are evenly distributed. The all-purpose flour provides the structure for the brownies, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture. Cornstarch helps to create a softer, more tender crumb. The salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and eggs to the dry ingredients. Using a whisk, mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot; otherwise, it might start to cook the eggs. The whisk helps to incorporate air into the batter, which will give the brownies a slightly lighter texture.
Step 4: Lemon Infusion: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Lemon zest is essential for providing a vibrant, citrusy flavor, so make sure to use fresh lemons. The lemon juice adds tanginess, while the lemon extract intensifies the lemon flavor. The vanilla extract complements the lemon by adding a warm, aromatic note.
Step 5: Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out into an even layer. This ensures that the brownies bake uniformly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached, the brownies are ready. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can result in dry brownies.
Step 6: Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before glazing. Cooling is a critical step because it allows the brownies to set properly. Attempting to glaze them while they are still warm can cause the glaze to melt and run off, resulting in a messy presentation.
Step 7: Lemon Glaze: In a clean bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The lemon glaze adds a delightful finishing touch to the brownies, enhancing the lemon flavor and providing a glossy, attractive appearance. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze and Set: Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon. Ensure that the entire surface of the brownies is covered with a thin layer of glaze. Let the glaze set completely before cutting the brownies into squares. This prevents the glaze from smearing and ensures that each brownie has a perfect, glossy finish.
Step 9: Cutting and Serving: Once the glaze has set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into squares of your desired size. Serve and enjoy!
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring only a few simple steps.
- Bright and Refreshing: The lemon flavor adds a delightful twist to traditional brownies, making them a perfect treat for spring and summer.
- Chewy Texture: The combination of flour, sugar, and cornstarch creates a deliciously chewy brownie.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a simple dessert for your family, these lemon brownies are sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of lemon flavor to suit your preferences by adding more or less lemon zest and juice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Dust with a bit of extra powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it lacks the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon.
- Don’t overbake the brownies. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly brownies.
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot. Hot butter can cook the eggs and affect the texture of the brownies.
- If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze.
- Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate) Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
Conclusion:
These Easy Lemon Brownies are a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Their simplicity, combined with their refreshing lemon flavor and chewy texture, makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these bright and flavorful brownies. Happy baking!
Questions and Answers about Easy Lemon Brownies
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for these brownies?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you need a gluten-free option. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. Avoid using wheat flour alternatives like almond or coconut flour without adjusting the liquid content, as these can drastically alter the outcome.
Q2: How can I make these brownies even more lemony?
A: To intensify the lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest and juice slightly. Adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and increasing the lemon juice in the glaze by half a tablespoon can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, ensure you’re using fresh, high-quality lemons for the most potent flavor.
Q3: What if I don’t have lemon extract? Can I still make the brownies?
A: Yes, you can still make the brownies without lemon extract, though the lemon flavor will be slightly less intense. If you omit the lemon extract, consider adding an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to compensate. You could also add a touch of lemon oil if you have it on hand, but use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
Q4: Can I freeze these lemon brownies?
A: Absolutely! Lemon brownies freeze well. To freeze, allow the brownies to cool completely after baking. Cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place the wrapped brownies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Q5: How do I prevent the brownies from sticking to the parchment paper?
A: If your brownies are sticking to the parchment paper, make sure that the baking dish is thoroughly lined, with the paper extending over the sides. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter before pouring in the batter. This adds an extra layer of protection and ensures easy removal once the brownies have cooled and the glaze has set.
