Lemon Zest Buttery Brownies (Print Version)
Rich, buttery bars infused with bright lemon zest and topped with a tangy glaze for a refreshing twist on classic brownies.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Glaze
10 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - Additional lemon zest for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at time, whisking after each. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
04 - Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top. Bake 22-25 minutes until center set and edges lightly golden. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and sprinkle with extra zest if desired.
07 - Cut into 16 squares and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lemon cuts through the rich chocolate free base making each bite feel lighter than you expect
- These are the perfect middle ground when you cannot decide between something fruity and something deeply chocolatey
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create a better texture so set your eggs out ahead of time
- The brownies might look slightly underbaked when you pull them out but they continue cooking as they cool
03 -
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and most even baking
- Let the glaze set completely before cutting to get those clean perfect squares