Welcome the sunshine of spring and summer with these delightful Lemon Blondies, a bright and tangy twist on the classic brownie. These blondies are infused with the zest and juice of fresh lemons, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Topped with a smooth lemon cream cheese icing, each bite is a creamy, citrusy delight. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day picnic or a leisurely brunch, these blondies are the perfect treat to brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This:
Lemon lovers, rejoice! These Lemon Blondies are made with real lemon juice and zest, ensuring every bite is packed with natural citrus flavor. The addition of a lemon cream cheese icing adds a luxurious creaminess that complements the blondie base beautifully. These blondies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. With their moist texture and zesty flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite for any spring or summer occasion.
Perfect Occasion:
These Lemon Blondies are versatile enough for any event or casual gathering during the warmer months. Serve them at Easter gatherings, Mother’s Day brunches, summer BBQs, or simply as a delightful afternoon treat. They’re also a fantastic choice for bake sales or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Decoration Tips:
- Garnish the icing with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices for an extra touch of elegance and a hint of color.
- Sprinkle a little edible glitter or gold leaf on top of the icing for a festive and sophisticated finish.
- Cut the blondies into different shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties or special occasions.
For the Lemon Blondies:
- Granulated Sugar: 250g
- Zest of 2 Lemons (preferably organic, unwaxed)
- Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled to warm): 170g
- Medium Eggs (room temperature): 2
- Medium Egg Yolks (room temperature): 2
- Vanilla Bean Paste (or Vanilla Extract): ½ tsp (or 1 tsp)
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 3 tbsp
- All-Purpose Flour: 150g
- Cornstarch: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing:
- Powdered/Icing Sugar (sifted): 120g
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese (room temperature): 55g
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 2 tsp
- Zest of ½ Lemon (preferably organic, unwaxed)
- Vanilla Bean Paste (or Vanilla Extract): ½ tsp (or 1 tsp)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl, rubbing them together. Mix in the melted butter, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth. Blend in the lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and salt. Combine with the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely in the pan.
- For the icing, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Spread over cooled blondies.
- Allow the icing to set, then slice and serve.
Embrace the zestful joy of these Lemon Blondies, a lusciously tangy treat that’s perfect for enjoying the warm, sunny days of spring and summer. Enjoy!
