The Best Fudgy Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the traditional brownie, offering a refreshing burst of citrus flavor combined with a rich, fudgy texture. The key to achieving this unique texture lies in the balance of ingredients and the method of preparation. The use of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses the brownies with a vibrant lemon flavor, while the white chocolate and butter create a dense, moist, and fudgy base that melts in your mouth.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Brownies:
- 3 eggs, with very yellow yolks, room temperature
- 140g (2/3 cup) sugar
- Zest from 2-3 lemons
- 130g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 60g (2 oz) white chocolate, chopped
- 130g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 40ml (2 + 1/2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice (from about 1 + 1/2 lemons)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 125g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) powdered sugar
- About 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Prepare the Butter and Chocolate:
- In a heat-proof medium-sized bowl, place the butter and chopped white chocolate. Melt over a bain-marie (double boiler) or microwave. Set aside.
- Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Lemon Zest:
- In a large bowl, add sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Whisk until foamy and well combined.
- For fudgy and dense brownies, use a whisk and don’t incorporate too much air.
- For cakey brownies, use a hand mixer and whisk at high speed for several minutes to incorporate air.
- Combine Butter and Egg Mixtures:
- Add the melted butter mixture to the egg mixture and whisk hard until completely incorporated.
- Add Flour and Lemon Juice:
- Sift the flour into the batter, add lemon juice, and whisk until well combined. Avoid overmixing, even if using an electric mixer, to prevent the brownies from becoming hard.
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Transfer the batter into a lined and greased 20x20cm (8×8 inch) cake pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 17 minutes. Do not overbake; a toothpick inserted should come out clean but with moist crumbs.
- Cool:
- Cool the brownies slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the powdered sugar.
- Gradually add the lemon juice, stirring until a thick glaze forms. Be careful not to add too much lemon juice; if the glaze becomes too runny, add more powdered sugar to achieve the perfect thick consistency.
- Glaze the Brownies:
- Evenly spread the glaze over the top of the cooled lemon brownies using a spatula.
- Set the Glaze:
- Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before slicing the brownies into 9 squares.
Enjoy your delicious, fudgy lemon brownies!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 17 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients Breakdown
- Eggs: The eggs provide structure and moisture to the brownies. Using room temperature eggs with very yellow yolks enhances the color and richness of the brownies.
- Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the brownies but also helps create a moist and tender texture.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: These ingredients are essential for imparting the bright, tangy lemon flavor that makes these brownies stand out.
- Butter and White Chocolate: The combination of these two ingredients contributes to the fudgy texture and adds a subtle, creamy sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon.
- Flour: The all-purpose flour provides structure without making the brownies too cakey or dense.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the lemon glaze, powdered sugar helps achieve a smooth and glossy finish that adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate Properly: When melting the butter and white chocolate, be cautious not to overheat. Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Whisking Technique: For a fudgier texture, whisk the sugar, eggs, and lemon zest just until combined without incorporating too much air. If a cakier texture is preferred, use a hand mixer to whisk at high speed.
- Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour and lemon juice, mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture in the final product.
- Proper Baking: Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but with moist crumbs. Overbaking can result in dry brownies, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
These fudgy lemon brownies are perfect for various occasions:
- Dessert: Serve them as a refreshing dessert after a meal. The tangy lemon flavor is a great palate cleanser.
- Tea Time: Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Parties and Gatherings: These brownies make an excellent addition to any dessert table, offering a unique alternative to traditional chocolate brownies.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Lemon Extract: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- Mixed Citrus: Combine lemon with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a mixed citrus brownie.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a crunchy contrast to the fudgy texture.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Storing: Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These brownies can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
The Best Fudgy Lemon Brownies are a must-try for lemon lovers and anyone looking for a refreshing twist on classic brownies. With their vibrant flavor, moist texture, and sweet lemon glaze, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with other desserts, these lemon brownies offer a delightful and delicious experience.