Hey y’all! If you love the tangy freshness of lemons combined with the rich, chewy texture of brownies, then you’re in for a treat with these Lemonies Lemony Brownies. Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a sweet and sour indulgence. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- These lemony brownies are incredibly moist and bursting with citrus flavor.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute desserts.
- A refreshing alternative to traditional chocolate brownies.
- Perfect for lemon lovers looking to try something new.
- These brownies have a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until well mixed. Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Enjoy these zesty treats on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 3 tablespoons. [Learn more about zesting techniques.](https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/what-is-lemon-zest-how-to-zest-a-lemon-article)
- If you prefer your brownies slightly gooey, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Variations
- Glazed Lemonies: Drizzle a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled brownies.
- Lemon Blueberry Brownies: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter before baking.
- Vegan Lemonies: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish (8×8-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Storage Instructions
Store your lemonies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Suggested Pairings
Serve these lemony brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Pro Tips
- For the perfect texture, do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. [Read more about mixing techniques.](https://www.finecooking.com/article/how-to-mix-cake-batter)
- Ensure your lemons are at room temperature to maximize juice extraction.
- Use a microplane for finely grated lemon zest.
FAQ
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, bottled can be a substitute in a pinch.
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- How do I know when the brownies are done? The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.