Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon brownies with lemon glaze! They’re like a burst of sunshine on a plate, and I can’t get enough of them! I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly dreary week, and wow, it turned my mood around instantly. The rich, buttery brownies are perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of the glaze, creating a delightful balance that keeps you coming back for more. I love how easy they are to whip up, and the aroma of fresh lemon juice and zest fills the kitchen, making it feel like spring no matter the season. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet pick-me-up at home, these brownies are an absolute must-try!
Ingredients for Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
How to Prepare Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly! While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it up really well. I like to use butter for greasing because it adds a little extra flavor, but cooking spray works too. Just make sure every inch is covered so those brownies don’t stick!
Mix the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, melt your butter—either in the microwave or on the stove, whichever you prefer. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. This step is where the magic starts! Next, add the eggs one at a time, and make sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. It’s key to get that nice, fluffy texture! Then, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Oh, the smell is just heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
After your wet ingredients are nicely mixed, it’s time to bring in the dry ones. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—this isn’t bread! You want those brownies to be soft and chewy. Once it’s all blended, pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly so every corner gets some love.
Bake the Brownies
Pop that pan into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. I usually start checking around the 25-minute mark. Stick a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done! If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on them—you don’t want to overbake!
Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the brownies are cooling (patience, I know!), let’s whip up that luscious lemon glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be pourable, but thick enough to stay on top of those brownies. If it’s too thick, just add a tiny splash more lemon juice!
Glaze and Serve
Once your brownies are completely cool (this is key!), gently spread the lemon glaze over the top. Make sure it’s evenly coated so every bite is bursting with that sweet-tangy flavor! Let the glaze set for a bit before you dive in—this helps it firm up and makes cutting them into squares so much easier. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you need a sweet fix in no time!
- Vibrant lemon flavor that’s refreshing and uplifting.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Deliciously chewy texture with a delightful glaze that adds a sweet-tangy finish.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to customize with extra lemon zest or even berries for a twist!
- These brownies are sure to impress friends, family, and anyone who takes a bite!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Trust me, the difference is huge! Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier brownie!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake! Start checking at the 25-minute mark. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t wait until they’re completely firm in the oven.
- Let Them Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the brownies and creates that lovely, shiny layer on top.
- Cut with Care: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. This way, you’ll have beautiful squares to serve!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the recipe! Add a bit of almond extract for a unique twist or fold in some white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them for a rainy day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing these delicious lemon brownies is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last at room temperature for up to three days, but if you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before diving back in!
If you happen to have some leftovers that you want to save for a rainy day, you can freeze them too! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, just take one out and let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
As for reheating, if you like your brownies warm (and who doesn’t?), you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out! Enjoy your sweet lemony goodness anytime you crave it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for these delightful lemon brownies with lemon glaze. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Remember, this is just an estimate! Adjustments to the recipe, like adding more lemon zest or swapping ingredients, can change these numbers a bit. But hey, that’s part of the fun in baking! Enjoy those tasty treats guilt-free!
FAQ About Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The brightness and freshness really shine through in these brownies!
What if I don’t have lemon zest?
No worries! If you don’t have lemon zest, you can just use a bit more lemon juice, but the zest adds that extra zing that elevates the flavor. If you have another citrus, like lime or orange, that could work too!
How long do these brownies stay fresh?
These lemon brownies can be kept at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, just pop them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months!
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can fold in some chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the lemon flavor. Just be sure to keep the balance right so the chocolate doesn’t overwhelm the lemony goodness!
What’s the best way to cut these brownies?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. This helps prevent the glaze from sticking to the knife and gives you those beautiful, neat squares!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just make sure it has a good binding agent, so your brownies hold together nicely!
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! If you want to double the recipe, just make sure to use a larger baking pan. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds a lovely finish, you can totally enjoy these brownies without it! They’re delicious on their own, but if you do want a little sweetness, a dusting of powdered sugar works nicely too!
Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze to Brighten Your Day
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious lemon brownies topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix with sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Mix in flour and salt until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Spread the glaze over cooled brownies and let it set before cutting.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest.
- These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon glaze, dessert, baking
