Lemon Bliss Brownies
Description of this recipe:
Indulge in the delightful tang of our Lemon Bliss Brownies! These aren’t your typical chocolate brownies; instead, they’re a bright and zesty take on the classic treat. Imagine the moist, chewy texture of a brownie combined with the refreshing flavor of lemon – that’s exactly what you’ll get with every bite. Topped with a luscious lemon glaze, these blondies are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Irresistibly Tangy: The perfect balance of sweet and tart will leave you craving more.
- Moist and Chewy Texture: These brownies are incredibly soft and moist, unlike dry or crumbly blondies.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these brownies come together in under an hour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a potluck dessert, or simply want a delightful treat, these brownies are always a hit.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Even those who aren’t typically fans of lemon desserts will fall in love with the refreshing and balanced taste of these brownies.
Introduction
Lemon Bliss Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Picture this: a bright, sunny afternoon, a warm cup of tea, and a slice of these tangy, sweet brownies. The aroma of lemon fills the air, and the first bite is a burst of sunshine on your palate. This recipe is inspired by the classic blondie, but elevated with the vibrant flavor of fresh lemon. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.
These Lemon Bliss Brownies are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge. They’re also a fantastic addition to any brunch spread or dessert buffet.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking and a perfectly moist texture. While the oven is heating, prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can either grease it generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lining the pan is especially helpful if you want to ensure the brownies come out cleanly and easily. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Beat these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender brownie. The lemon zest not only adds flavor but also helps to release the natural oils, enhancing the overall aroma of the brownies.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Lemon Juice
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition to ensure each egg is fully incorporated. This gradual addition prevents the mixture from curdling. After the eggs are mixed in, add the tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a necessary tang that balances the sweetness of the brownies.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step is important because it evenly distributes the baking powder throughout the flour, ensuring that the brownies rise properly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. The goal is to mix until there are no visible streaks of flour, but the batter is still slightly lumpy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. This ensures that the brownies bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from overbaking. Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount of lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Once the brownies have cooled for about 10-15 minutes, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly to coat. The slight warmth of the brownies will help the glaze to melt and set slightly. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. This is crucial for preventing them from crumbling.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the brownies are completely cool, slice them into 16 squares. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice for neat and even squares. Serve and enjoy the tangy, delicious flavor of your Lemon Bliss Brownies!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and Tangy
- Texture: Moist and Chewy
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon indulgence.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread or dessert buffet.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Salted Butter: If you only have unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter to balance the sweetness.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20-25 minutes
Total Time:
30-35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimate per serving)
- Calories: 124 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 52 mg
Conclusion
These Lemon Bliss Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The bright, tangy flavor of lemon combined with the moist, chewy texture of a blondie makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. So, go ahead and bake a batch of these sunshine-filled brownies – you won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
A: While fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary. However, keep in mind that bottled lemon juice may not have the same vibrant flavor as fresh. If using bottled juice, consider adding a little extra lemon zest to compensate for the difference in taste.
Q2: How do I store these Lemon Bliss Brownies?
A: To keep the brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q3: Can I add white chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Absolutely! White chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these Lemon Bliss Brownies. Add about ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter along with the dry ingredients. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate will complement the tangy lemon flavor perfectly.
Q4: What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch baking pan? Can I use a different size?
A: If you don’t have an 8×8 inch baking pan, you can use a 9×13 inch pan instead. However, keep in mind that the brownies will be thinner and may bake faster. Check for doneness after about 15-20 minutes.
Q5: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the ingredients together and provide a good texture.
Lemon Bliss Brownies
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large lemon zested
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking and a perfectly moist texture. While the oven is heating, prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can either grease it generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lining the pan is especially helpful if you want to ensure the brownies come out cleanly and easily. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Beat these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender brownie. The lemon zest not only adds flavor but also helps to release the natural oils, enhancing the overall aroma of the brownies.
- Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Lemon Juice
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition to ensure each egg is fully incorporated. This gradual addition prevents the mixture from curdling. After the eggs are mixed in, add the tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a necessary tang that balances the sweetness of the brownies.
- Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step is important because it evenly distributes the baking powder throughout the flour, ensuring that the brownies rise properly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. The goal is to mix until there are no visible streaks of flour, but the batter is still slightly lumpy.
- Step 5: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. This ensures that the brownies bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from overbaking. Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly.
- Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount of lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 7: Glaze and Cool
- Once the brownies have cooled for about 10-15 minutes, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly to coat. The slight warmth of the brownies will help the glaze to melt and set slightly. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. This is crucial for preventing them from crumbling.
- Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Once the brownies are completely cool, slice them into 16 squares. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice for neat and even squares. Serve and enjoy the tangy, delicious flavor of your Lemon Bliss Brownies!
