Homemade Lemonies

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s both sweet and tart, look no further than these Homemade Lemonies. Combining the richness of traditional brownies with a zesty lemon twist, these treats are perfect for satisfying your citrus cravings. Topped with a luscious lemon glaze, these lemonies offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to make and simply delightful, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Lemonies:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, 1/4 cup lemon juice, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just incorporated.
  4. Bake the Lemonies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool and Glaze: Allow the lemonies to cool completely in the baking dish. While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the cooled lemonies and let it set. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Homemade Lemonies!

Prep Time

  • 15 minutes

Cooking Time

  • 25 minutes

Total Time

  • 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 275 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 16

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Garnish: For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish the lemonies with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
  2. Presentation: Serve lemonies on a decorative platter or with fresh fruit like berries to enhance their visual appeal and complement their tangy flavor.
  3. Temperature: These lemonies are delicious at room temperature but can also be enjoyed chilled. If you prefer them cold, refrigerate before serving.
  4. Portioning: Cut the lemonies into small squares or bars for a perfect, bite-sized treat that’s easy to share and enjoy.
  5. Pairing: Lemonies pair well with a variety of beverages, including a refreshing glass of iced tea, a hot cup of coffee, or a light herbal tea.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover lemonies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their freshness and extends their shelf life.
  2. Freezing: To freeze lemonies, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  3. Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the lemonies from becoming soggy, ensure they are fully cooled before storing them, and keep them in an airtight container.
  4. Layering: If stacking lemonies in a container, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
  5. Glaze Preservation: If you plan to freeze lemonies, consider glazing them after thawing to maintain the glaze’s texture and appearance.

These serving and storage tips will help ensure your Homemade Lemonies stay fresh and delicious, allowing you to enjoy them at their best whether you’re serving them immediately or saving them for later.

Variations:

1. Lemon Blueberry Lemonies

  • Addition: Fold 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking. The blueberries add a burst of fruity flavor that complements the lemon.

2. Lemon Raspberry Lemonies

  • Addition: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter. The tart raspberries will enhance the lemon flavor and add a beautiful color contrast.

3. White Chocolate Lemonies

  • Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, creamy twist. The sweetness of the white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon.

4. Lemon Poppy Seed Lemonies

  • Addition: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor combination.

5. Lemon Coconut Lemonies

  • Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the glaze for added texture.

6. Ginger Lemonies

  • Addition: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground ginger into the batter for a hint of spice that complements the lemon flavor.

7. Lemon Almond Lemonies

  • Addition: Mix in 1/4 cup of slivered almonds or almond meal into the batter for a nutty flavor and extra texture.

8. Lemon Cream Cheese Lemonies

  • Filling: Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture (blend 4 oz of cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg) on top of the batter before baking. This adds a creamy, tangy layer inside the lemonies.

9. Lemon Matcha Lemonies

  • Addition: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the batter for a unique flavor twist and vibrant green color.

10. Lemon Cherry Lemonies

  • Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for a sweet and tart flavor combination that pairs well with the lemon.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures to customize your Homemade Lemonies, making them even more versatile and exciting. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own unique lemonie treat!

FAQs:

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

  • Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using bottled juice, choose one with minimal additives.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

  • Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the additional salt in the recipe. This will help maintain the intended balance of flavors.

3. How can I make these lemonies gluten-free?

  • Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with texture and structure.

4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

  • Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and sweetness of the lemonies. Try reducing it by up to 1/4 cup to start.

5. How can I make a dairy-free version of these lemonies?

  • Use dairy-free butter or margarine and substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

6. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

  • Yes, you can add nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans. Fold them into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.

7. How do I know when the lemonies are done baking?

  • Lemonies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden brown.

8. Can I use frozen lemon zest or lemon juice?

  • Yes, frozen lemon zest and lemon juice can be used. Just make sure they are fully thawed and well-drained before using.

9. Can I use a different type of glaze?

  • Absolutely! You can experiment with different glazes, such as a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese glaze, to vary the flavor and texture.

10. How should I store leftover lemonies?

  • Store leftover lemonies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

These FAQs cover common questions and concerns, providing helpful guidance to ensure your Homemade Lemonies turn out perfectly every time.

Homemade Lemonies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The bright lemon glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes these lemonies stand out. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a personal treat, these lemonies are sure to impress with their fresh and vibrant taste. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, they’re a wonderful addition to your dessert collection. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of homemade lemon treats!