Easy Lemon Brownies
Imagine biting into a delightfully moist brownie that bursts with zesty lemon flavor and leaves you craving more. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Let me introduce you to Easy Lemon Brownies—a delectable combination of rich, fudgy goodness and refreshing citrus that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a sunny picnic day or satisfying your family’s sweet tooth after dinner, these brownies are a delightful addition to your dessert lineup.
Fun fact: did you know that brownies date back to the late 19th century? However, our lemon-infused version adds a modern twist to this beloved treat! What makes these brownies special is their simplicity; they come together in just about 30 minutes! You will fall head over heels in love at first taste. If you enjoy our classic fudgy brownies, you’re in for a treat with this refreshing variation. Don’t wait too long—let’s get baking!
What are Easy Lemon Brownies?
So, what’s the deal with these Easy Lemon Brownies? Great question! Some might say they’re the happy offspring of a brownie and a lemon bar, and honestly, who wouldn’t love that? With ample lemon zest and juice incorporated into the batter, these treats pack a zing that you didn’t know you were missing in your life. It’s like a sunny day on a plate! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these lemon brownies are sure to make you a star at any gathering. Ready to put a smile on your face? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love Easy Lemon Brownies
These Easy Lemon Brownies truly shine for several reasons. First off, the main highlight is their unique combination of rich, chocolaty brownie texture balanced perfectly with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and zest. The cost-saving benefits of making these at home are substantial too—homemade brownies tend to be cheaper than store-bought ones, and you can whip up a whole tray for a fraction of the price!
Now, let’s talk about the flavorful toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar on top gives a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness, while lemon zest elevates the brownie flavor to another level. Compared to our luscious Chocolate Chip Brownies, these lemony delights offer a refreshing twist that’s perfect for warm weather. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones? Grab your apron and let’s get baking!
How to Make Easy Lemon Brownies
Quick Overview
One of the best aspects of these Easy Lemon Brownies is how simple they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time—about 30 minutes from start to finish—you can have a batch cooling on your countertop, ready to enjoy. They are sweet, slightly tangy, and downright satisfying!
Key Ingredients for Easy Lemon Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of melted butter until well combined. Add in the two large eggs and continue mixing.
- Add flavors: Incorporate the zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, blend together 1 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix!).
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
- Cool and dust: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, cut into squares, and serve!
What to Serve Easy Lemon Brownies With
Wondering what to pair with your scrumptious Easy Lemon Brownies? Here are a few ideas to complement your sweet treat:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries or blueberries will add a burst of color and balance the brownies’ sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your dessert experience.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: These refreshing drinks will enhance the citrus undertones of the brownies and make for a well-rounded meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Lemon Brownies
To ensure your Easy Lemon Brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
- Substitutions: You can substitute coconut oil for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Additionally, you can use lemon extract if fresh lemons aren’t available.
- Keep an Eye on Timing: Baking times might vary based on your oven. Always start checking around 20 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so mix until just combined—your brownies will turn out light and fudgy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which can be a rarity), here’s how to keep them delicious:
- Storage: Store your Easy Lemon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a brownie, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature and then microwave it for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Now you have everything you need to create your own batch of Easy Lemon Brownies! They are sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not grab those lemons and start baking? You won’t regret it!
Easy Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined. Add in the two large eggs and continue mixing.
- Incorporate the zest and juice of 1 lemon and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- In another bowl, blend together flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (avoid overmixing!).
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, cut into squares, and serve!
