Lemon Brownies
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Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze are a delightful dessert that balances the rich flavors of brownies with zesty, citrus notes. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a sweet, refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny picnic, an afternoon tea, or a special dessert for a loved one, these lemon brownies shine bright and are bound to impress. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer gathering, and it quickly became a favorite among friends and family.
What makes this recipe special
You’re probably wondering why you should give this recipe a try. Well, Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also pack a punch of flavor that’s sure to brighten any day. This dish is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and delightful dessert. The vibrant lemon flavor makes it refreshing, yet the texture maintains that classic brownie feel.
“I brought these to a potluck, and they disappeared in minutes! They’re wonderfully light and have the perfect amount of sweetness with a citrus kick.” — A happy home baker
The cooking process explained
Making these lemon brownies is a breeze, and you can enjoy them fresh from the oven in under an hour. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved: you’ll start by mixing the main ingredients, pouring the batter into your baking pan, and letting them bake. After a brief cooling period, a simple glaze enhances their flavor. To get the most out of this recipe, let’s check out what you’ll need!
Gather these items
To whip up Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze, here’s what you will need:
- 1 15.25 oz box of yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 1 box lemon instant pudding
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (add a few extra drops if needed for desired consistency)
- Lemon zest for garnishing (optional)
Feel free to experiment with the cake mix; a different brand may work, but the yellow cake flavor perfectly complements the lemon.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare your pan: Line an 8” square baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. This ensures that the brownies lift out easily after baking.
- Preheat the oven: Setting the oven to 350 degrees helps in achieving that perfect bake.
- Mix the batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cake mix, lemon pudding, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until fully blended.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 22-24 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Cooling time: Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully lift the brownies using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut and glaze: Once cool, cut the brownies into squares. Now it’s time to make that luscious glaze.
For the glaze
Mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding a few more drops of lemon juice if needed; it should be pourable but thick enough to coat the brownies.
Best ways to enjoy it
These lemon brownies are best served with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or garnished with fresh lemon zest. Pair them with a cup of green tea or a refreshing lemonade for an unbeatable dessert experience. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your delicious Lemon Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze the cut brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Always remember to let them cool completely before storage to prevent sogginess!
Helpful cooking tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and lemon juice are at room temperature for the best mix.
- Zest like a pro: Use a microplane for finer zest, which will distribute that lemon flavor more evenly throughout the brownies.
- Don’t skip the glaze: This simple addition transforms the brownies from good to exceptional, adding that necessary floral lemon flavor.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up by adding mix-ins like white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for additional texture. Try incorporating different citrus zests or even flavored extracts for a unique twist. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix and pudding.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare and bake these brownies?
Overall, from prep to ready-to-eat, you can expect this recipe to take about 45 minutes, including bake time.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the taste might not be as vibrant.
How do I make these brownies dense?
For a denser brownie, reduce the lemon juice slightly, or substitute some of the eggs with unsweetened applesauce, which can also add moisture and richness.
Dive into this delightful recipe for Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze, and let your taste buds celebrate! These brownies will undoubtedly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Lemon Brownies with Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix the cake mix, lemon pudding, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until fully blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a small bowl, adjusting the consistency with more lemon juice as necessary.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and drizzle with the glaze.
