Experience the refreshing twist on classic brownies with these zesty lemon brownies. Bursting with the bright flavors of lemon juice and zest, these brownies offer a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. The tender, buttery texture of the brownie base perfectly complements the tangy lemon glaze, making this dessert an irresistible treat for any lemon lover.
Why You'll Love This: You’ll love these lemon brownies for their vibrant citrus flavor and moist, tender crumb. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a sweet lemon glaze creates a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow, ensuring consistently delicious results every time. These brownies are a delightful alternative to traditional chocolate brownies, offering a unique and refreshing twist.
Perfect Occasion: These lemon brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. They make a great addition to afternoon tea, picnics, or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. Their bright, sunny flavor is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys citrus desserts.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant finish, drizzle the cooled brownies with extra lemon glaze or dust them with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or small edible flowers for a pop of color. If you want to add a bit of texture, consider topping the glaze with finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes.
Ingredients (for a 20x20 cm square pan):
For the Brownies:
- 185g sugar (original recipe uses 240g)
- 180g butter, at room temperature
- 3 medium eggs
- 185g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 90g lemon juice (original recipe uses 60g lemon juice and 30g limoncello)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (original recipe does not include this)
For the Glaze:
- 150g powdered sugar
- 20g lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Sugar:
- In a large bowl, rub the sugar with the lemon zest until the sugar is aromatic and infused with the lemon oils.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with the lemon sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the lemon juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) with heat from both top and bottom.
- Line a 20x20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Finish the Brownies:
- Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan. While still warm, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your zesty lemon brownies with a refreshing lemon glaze!