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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze) - Extra lemon zest for garnish - 9x13-inch baking pan - Electric mixer - Mixing bowls - Spatula or wooden spoon - Whisk When making Bright Lemon Brownies, gather all your ingredients first. Fresh lemon zest gives a bright flavor. Use a zester or fine grater to get the zest from your lemons. You can zest about two large lemons for the perfect amount. The lemon juice needs to be fresh too. This adds zing and makes the brownies moist. Next, ensure your butter is softened. This helps it mix well with the sugar. For the best results, let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You will need a few tools. An electric mixer saves time and effort. A 9x13-inch baking pan is key for the right size. Mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk are also essential. With these ingredients and tools ready, you can make these treats shine in your kitchen. Enjoy the bright flavors and aromas as you bake! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan. Start with a clean space. Preheating the oven ensures even baking. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup. It helps the brownies pop out with ease. - Cream butter and sugar. - Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. In a large bowl, mix softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat them until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg blends in well. Next, stir in lemon zest and juice. This adds that bright flavor you want. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. - Fold dry mix into wet mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine these dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them gently. Be careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter without any flour streaks. - Transfer batter to pan. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when the brownies are ready. - Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice. While the brownies bake, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Aim for a smooth, pourable mix. It should be like syrup in texture. - Drizzle glaze over warm brownies. - Garnish with lemon zest. Once the brownies cool for about 10-15 minutes, drizzle the glaze over them. Spread it evenly for a sweet and tangy finish. For the final touch, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top. This adds extra flavor and a nice look. Enjoy your bright lemon brownies! How to avoid overmixing: Overmixing can make brownies tough. Mix your wet and dry ingredients until you see no flour streaks. Use a gentle hand when folding. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy. Testing for doneness: To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. If it comes out wet, they need more time. Adding poppy seeds or nuts: For extra texture, consider adding poppy seeds or chopped nuts. They give a nice crunch and pair well with the lemon flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking. Using lemon extract: If you want a stronger lemon taste, add a teaspoon of lemon extract. This can boost the flavor without using more juice. It’s an easy way to make your brownies even zestier. Pair with tea or coffee: These lemon brownies taste great with a cup of tea or coffee. The bright flavors contrast well with the warm drinks. It makes for a lovely afternoon treat. Presentation ideas for gatherings: To impress your guests, serve each brownie on a nice dessert plate. Add a sprig of fresh mint on the side. This adds color and makes your dessert look special. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free treat, you can easily change the flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This swap keeps the texture light and tasty. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these bright lemon brownies! Want to make these brownies vegan? No problem! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. Applesauce also works great and adds moisture. Your brownies will still be soft and yummy! If you love chocolate, add it to your lemon brownies. You can swirl in some melted chocolate or mix in cocoa powder. This gives you a delicious chocolate-lemon combo. It adds richness while keeping that zesty lemon flavor. Try it out for a fun twist! Store your lemon brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. You can stack the brownies with parchment paper in between layers. They will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can place the brownies in the fridge. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. This helps avoid drying out. They will last about a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing works great. Cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can use bottled lemon juice. It is convenient and lasts longer. However, fresh lemon juice has a brighter taste. Bottled juice may lack the same fresh flavor. If you use bottled, choose a brand with no additives. Fresh juice makes your brownies taste better. To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The edges should be slightly brown, and the center should look set but still soft. Trust your eyes and the toothpick test! Lemon brownies pair well with several options. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of hot tea or coffee also works nicely. For a fun twist, try a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries add color and flavor too! Lemon brownies can last up to a week at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. In the fridge, they last about two weeks. If you freeze them, they can stay good for three months. Just thaw them before enjoying! Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. You can frost them later or leave them plain. For best taste, eat them within a week. You now have everything to make delicious lemon brownies. We've covered all the ingredients and tools you need. Follow the detailed steps for mixing and baking. Don't forget the tasty glaze and garnishes. You can also try out variations for different tastes. These brownies are great for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them yourself or share with friends, they won’t disappoint. Now, grab your tools and start baking! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you will have a sweet treat to enjoy.

Bright Lemon Brownies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these zesty lemon brownies that pack a punch of citrus flavor! With a delightful combination of butter, fresh lemon juice, and a sweet glaze, these brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, follow our simple recipe to create a batch that will brighten up your day.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (approximately from 2 large lemons)

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)

2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the glaze)

Extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for an easy release after baking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

      Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time, making sure each egg is fully blended in before proceeding to the next. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and pour in the fresh lemon juice, mixing until the ingredients are just combined.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain (be careful not to overmix).

          Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even spread across the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly baked.

            While the brownies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and easy to pour, achieving a consistency similar to syrup.

              Once your brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm brownies, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is infused with lemony goodness.

                Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For a delightful finishing touch, garnish each square with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 24 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve each brownie on a charming dessert plate, adorned with a sprig of fresh mint for a vibrant contrast and an inviting aroma.