Lemon Zest Buttery Brownies (Printable)
Rich buttery bars infused with bright lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist on classic chocolate dessert.
# What You'll 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
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well blended. Set aside for later use.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until uniform.
04 - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
05 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface layer.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until center is just set and edges are lightly golden. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
07 - Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential for proper texture and clean cutting.
08 - In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
09 - Spread glaze evenly over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest as desired for visual appeal and extra citrus flavor.
10 - Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 equal squares. Wipe knife between cuts for clean edges. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These brownies strike that perfect balance between rich and refreshing, hitting a flavor profile chocolate just cant reach
- The texture is incredibly fudgy while still being light enough that you wont feel weighed down after one square
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients make a noticeable difference in how smoothly everything comes together
- The center might look slightly underbaked when you pull them out, but they continue cooking and set up beautifully as they cool
03 -
- Grate your lemons before juicing them, because it's nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lemon
- Use a microplane if you have one to get that finest possible zest without any bitter pith