Luscious Lemon Brownies with Tangy Glaze

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Satisfy your craving for something sweet and tangy with our irresistible Lemon Brownies topped with a zesty glaze! These soft and chewy brownies are bursting with bright lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for lemon lovers. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these luscious lemon brownies are sure to delight your taste buds!

Ingredients:

  • 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (such as Betty Crocker)
  • 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring to use non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.
  2. Mix Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the dry cake mix, lemon instant pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.
  3. Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs (no wet batter).
  4. Cool Brownies: Once baked, remove the lemon brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and let them cool completely while you prepare the glaze. For the Glaze:
  5. Prepare Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
  6. Drizzle Glaze: Slice the cooled lemon brownies into squares and drizzle the glaze over the top. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful lemon brownies as a sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to brighten your day!

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 24 minutes
  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Servings: 9
  • Calories: (Calories may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions)

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Fresh: Lemon brownies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made when the glaze is still glossy and the brownies are soft and chewy.
  2. Store in an Airtight Container: If you have leftovers, store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  3. Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating lemon brownies can cause them to dry out, so it’s best to store them at room temperature for optimal texture.
  4. Freeze for Later: Lemon brownies can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  5. Thaw Before Serving: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen lemon brownies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
  6. Refresh with Glaze: If the glaze has absorbed into the brownies over time, you can refresh them by drizzling with additional glaze before serving.
  7. Portion Control: Cut the lemon brownies into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.
  8. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve lemon brownies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
  9. Garnish Before Serving: Add a fresh twist by garnishing each lemon brownie with a thin slice of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
  10. Enjoy with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve warm lemon brownies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Variations:

  1. Blueberry Lemon Brownies: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking for bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite.
  2. Lemon Coconut Brownies: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist on classic lemon brownies. Top with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
  3. Lemon Raspberry Brownies: Swirl raspberry jam into the batter before baking for a tangy-sweet flavor combination. Garnish with fresh raspberries for a vibrant finish.
  4. Lemon White Chocolate Brownies: Add chunks of white chocolate to the batter for a creamy and decadent variation of lemon brownies.
  5. Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies: Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a rich and tangy cream cheese filling.
  6. Lemon Lavender Brownies: Infuse the batter with dried culinary lavender for a delicate floral aroma and flavor.
  7. Lemon Almond Brownies: Fold chopped almonds into the batter for added texture and nutty flavor.
  8. Lemon Poppy Seed Brownies: Mix poppy seeds into the batter for a delightful crunch and speckled appearance.
  9. Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and pudding mix for a gluten-free version of these lemon brownies.
  10. Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: Swirl a layer of lemon cheesecake batter into the brownie batter before baking for a marbled effect and creamy cheesecake flavor.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors such as white or lemon cake mix for different variations of lemon brownies.
  2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
  3. Can I omit the lemon zest? Lemon zest adds extra flavor and brightness to the brownies, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder lemon flavor.
  4. Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant? Instant pudding mix is preferred for this recipe because it dissolves easily, but you can use regular pudding mix if that’s what you have on hand. Be sure to cook the pudding according to the package instructions before adding it to the batter.
  5. Can I make these brownies egg-free? While eggs contribute to the texture of the brownies, you can try using egg replacers or mashed bananas as substitutes for eggs if you have dietary restrictions.
  6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake the brownies in a larger baking pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and test for doneness with a toothpick.
  7. Can I add nuts to the brownies? Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can be added to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
  8. Can I use this recipe to make lemon bars instead of brownies? Lemon bars typically have a different texture and ratio of ingredients, but you can try adapting this recipe by spreading the batter in a larger baking dish and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  9. Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner? Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze until you reach your desired consistency.
  10. Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party? Yes, lemon brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve. Drizzle with glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.

With their vibrant lemon flavor and tangy glaze, these Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. Perfect for any occasion, these soft and chewy treats are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack, these lemon brownies are guaranteed to leave you craving more!