Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars

The moment I first tasted Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was lounging in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients that danced off the shelf. The aroma of fresh lemons filled the room as I zested and juiced them, a process that made my mouth water in anticipation. I longed for a treat that was not just sweet but also had a tangy twist, and these bars delivered just that. The idea of combining the richness of brownies with the zesty brightness of lemons seemed crazy at first, but oh, it turned out to be a match made in heaven.

As I watched the mixture transform from a simple batter into a glorious golden square in the oven, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. These Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars are not just a recipe; they are a testament to the power of bright flavors and comforting textures. Each bite is a delightful explosion of fudgy goodness paired with a refreshing citrus kick that leaves you craving more. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy evening at home or sharing them with friends at a picnic, these bars are sure to impress!

Key Ingredients for Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars

When it comes to creating Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars, the ingredients play a pivotal role in their delightful taste and texture. Each component works in harmony, bringing the perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the table. The star players are the fresh lemons, which provide the zesty flavor, while the all-purpose flour and butter create that classic fudgy texture we all love. Together, these ingredients work to form a treat that’s rich, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.

• 2-3 lemons: Freshly zested and juiced, lemons add brightness to the bars, ensuring they aren’t overly sweet and have a refreshing tartness.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of the brownie, providing structure and a soft, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the brownies, balancing the sweetness and making the lemon zing even more pronounced.
• 1 cup butter: Melted butter helps create a rich, moist base that holds the brownies together beautifully.
• 3 eggs: Eggs contribute to the fudgy consistency, giving the brownies their light and airy texture while helping bind the ingredients together.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: This is the main sweetener in the recipe, providing the necessary sweetness for the brownies without overpowering the lemon flavor.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it gives that sweet, creamy finish that perfectly complements the tartness of the lemons.

Cooking Method for Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars

Ready to dive into the delightful process of making Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars? Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dessert that will make your taste buds sing. You’ll be amazed at how straightforward it is to whip up this tasty treat!

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Make sure to lower your shelf so that it sits in the lower third of the oven; this will help the brownies bake evenly.
2. Line a 9×13 inch pan with baking parchment for easy removal later. Overhanging some of the paper is a clever trick to make lifting the brownies out easier once they’ve cooled.
3. Zest and juice the lemons. You’ll need about 5 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of zest for the brownie batter. Set these aside for later use.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and the lemon zest, stirring them together to mix well.
5. Melt the butter in a small pan or microwave until completely melted. Allow it to cool slightly.
6. Add the lemon juice to the melted butter and stir to combine. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
7. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, stirring gently between each addition. This process ensures that your brownies will turn out light and fluffy.
8. Once all the eggs are incorporated, gently fold in the sugar until the mixture is well combined. Take your time with this step to ensure a smooth batter.
9. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft.
10. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for an hour on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial to maintain their fudgy texture.
11. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
12. For the glaze, zest and juice another 2 lemons, yielding about 3-4 tablespoons of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest.
13. Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, then pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir continuously until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
14. Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top and allow it to set for a few minutes.
15. Finally, cut the brownies into thin bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars!

How to Switch It Up

If you’re eager to experiment with Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars or just want to try something new, here are some fun ideas! These tips will help you customize the recipe while still keeping it delicious and satisfying.

• Add nuts: Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can give your brownies an extra crunch and enhance the flavor.
• Use different citrus: While lemons shine in this recipe, you can also use limes or oranges for a different zesty twist.
• Mix in chocolate: For a chocolatey delight, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The combination of lemon and chocolate is surprisingly delicious!
• Layer flavors: Consider incorporating a layer of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting between two layers of brownie for an extra special treat.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet brownie, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly to suit your taste.
• Try different glazes: Experiment with flavored glazes, such as a vanilla or almond glaze, to switch things up.
• Make it a cake: Spread the batter into a larger baking pan to make a cake version of these brownies. Just adjust the baking time accordingly!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

• With a scoop of ice cream: Serve these brownies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
• Perfect for gatherings: Bring these bars to potlucks, family gatherings, or parties. They’re sure to be a hit!
• Accompany with fresh fruit: Pair with fresh berries to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing touch.
• Ideal for afternoon tea: Enjoy these bars during an afternoon tea session with friends or loved ones for a sweet treat.
• Storage tips: Keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their moistness and flavor. They can last up to a week.
• Seasonal delight: These bars are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, thanks to their light and fruity flavor profile.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars are a remarkable blend of rich and refreshing flavors that make them a must-try dessert. Their easy preparation and delightful taste will surely make them a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering or simply to enjoy on a cozy night in. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot; you won’t be disappointed!

Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars are a rich and tangy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth! With a fudgy texture and a zesty lemon glaze, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, why not whip up a batch tonight?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 35 bars

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lemons lemons Freshly zested and juiced
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour Forms the backbone of the brownie
• ¾ teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
• 1 cup butter Creates a rich, moist base
• 3 eggs eggs Lightens the texture
• 1½ cups granulated sugar Main sweetener
• 3 cups powdered sugar Used for the glaze

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Make sure to lower your shelf so that it sits in the lower third of the oven; this will help the brownies bake evenly.
• Line a 9x13 inch pan with baking parchment for easy removal later. Overhanging some of the paper is a clever trick to make lifting the brownies out easier once they’ve cooled.
• Zest and juice the lemons. You’ll need about 5 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of zest for the brownie batter. Set these aside for later use.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and the lemon zest, stirring them together to mix well.
• Melt the butter in a small pan or microwave until completely melted. Allow it to cool slightly.
• Add the lemon juice to the melted butter and stir to combine. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
• Crack in the eggs, one at a time, stirring gently between each addition. This process ensures that your brownies will turn out light and fluffy.
• Once all the eggs are incorporated, gently fold in the sugar until the mixture is well combined. Take your time with this step to ensure a smooth batter.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 9x13 inch pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft.
• Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for an hour on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial to maintain their fudgy texture.
• Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
• For the glaze, zest and juice another 2 lemons, yielding about 3-4 tablespoons of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest.
• Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, then pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir continuously until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
• Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top and allow it to set for a few minutes.
• Finally, cut the brownies into thin bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars!

Notes

• Tip 1: The number of lemons you will need depends on the size of your lemons as they vary so much in size. Be guided by your lemons.
• Tip 2: Use a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon for this rather than your stand mixer or electric mixer. The mixture doesn't need much mixing.
• Tip 3: We like a thick layer of glaze; if you want just a thin layer, you can half the ingredients.
• Tip 4: If the glaze is too thick, thin it with more lemon juice. If it is too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar.
• Tip 5: When lining your pan with parchment, if you overhang some of the paper on either side, it makes it much easier to remove the brownies from the pan once cooled.

Keyword easy brownie recipes, Fudgy Brownies, Fudgy Lemon Brownie Bars, lemon desserts