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Lemon Brownies (Lemonies) Are a Sweet Treat You Can’t Resist
You know those days when you want something a little tangy and a little sweet, something that just brightens up your afternoon? That’s where lemon brownies, or as I like to call them, lemonies, come into play. They’re not your typical brownie; they have this delightful bright flavor that dances on your tongue and wraps you in sunshine. Trust me when I say, once you try these, you’ll be whipping them up again and again!
What Are Lemon Brownies?
So, what’s all the hype about lemon brownies? Well, they’re like a hybrid between a cake and a cookie, empowered by the zesty goodness of fresh lemons. You get that rich, fudgy texture we all adore with a fresh citrusy twist that promises to lift your spirits. They’re perfect for baking on a lazy afternoon or serving at a gathering when you want to impress your friends. They’re not just delightful; they’re a crowd-pleaser that can even turn a gloomy day into a bright one.
Ingredients Overview for Lemon Brownies
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create these scrumptious lemonies. The best part? Most of these ingredients are ones you might already have hanging around in your kitchen!
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your brownie. It gives them that chewy, satisfying texture.
- Granulated Sugar: You’ll need this for sweetness and to balance out the tartness of the lemons.
- Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It gives the richness we adore in brownies.
- Lemons: Freshly squeezed is the best! It brings that zing factor, making every bite refreshing.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together, creating that lovely soft and fudgy texture.
- Baking Powder: A little helps the brownies rise, giving them just the right structure.
- Powdered Sugar: For that dreamy glaze on top which adds a sweet finish.
Feel free to swap out butter for coconut oil if you want to go dairy-free. And if you’re out of lemons, lime juice works surprisingly well!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Brownies
Preheat Your Oven
Before diving into mixing, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s all warm and ready for the magic to happen.
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, melt butter (you can do this in the microwave!). Once it’s melted, stir in granulated sugar until well combined. It’s okay if it’s a bit grainy; it’ll smooth out.
Add Eggs and Lemon Juice
Add in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, squeeze in the juice of your lemons. Make sure to catch those pesky seeds!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. This is where your batter starts to come together, and the lemony scent fills the kitchen!
Bake
Pour the batter into your greased dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs.
Cool and Glaze
Once baked, allow your lemonies to cool completely in the dish. Drizzle a lovely glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice over the top for that sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon brownies are delightful on their own, but you could also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a little extra flair, try topping them with fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest. You can even enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat!
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Brownies
- Fresh Lemons: Always go with fresh lemons for a more vibrant flavor. Those bottled lemon juices just don’t cut it.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
- Cooling Time: Let them cool completely before glazing; otherwise, it’ll just melt away!
- Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to keep them moist for longer.
Q&A Section
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely! Lime gives a similar tangy flavor and works beautifully.
How do I know when they’re done?
A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they get better as they sit! Just store them properly to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze lemon brownies?
Definitely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love lemon brownies because they’re such a delightful balance of rich and tangy. The bright lemon flavor brightens your day, making them perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve a treat. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, making them a go-to recipe for when you want something special yet simple to make.
Behind The Scenes
Let me tell you, developing this recipe was quite the adventure! I tried varying the amount of lemon juice and butter, and at one point, I accidentally put in a bit too much flour, which turned them into a cake rather than brownies. Oops! But that’s what cooking is all about, right? Trial and error lead to delicious discoveries! If you want to see more recipes and inspirations, check out my Pinterest page at MyRecipeCast.
It’s all about having fun in the kitchen and not being afraid to get a little messy! Now, roll up your sleeves and give these lemon brownies a try; I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour The backbone of your brownie.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar For sweetness balancing out the tartness of lemons.
- 1/2 cup Butter Melted, for richness.
- 2 large Eggs Help bind everything together.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder Helps the brownies rise.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Brings a zing factor to the brownies.
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar For a sweet finish.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice To make the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large bowl, melt butter and stir in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the greased dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Cooling and Glazing
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish.
- Drizzle the glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top.
