Homemade Lemonies

If you’ve looked at any of our other recipes, you probably know that we are certified choco-holics. We’ll devour anything chocolatey, but that doesn’t mean we don’t also have a deep affinity for all things citrus as well. All things lemon and lime are our jam, so these lemonies are right up our alley. Picture a dense and rich, chewy bar that’s not a brownie, but that’s brownie-like; these lemonies are the bright and zesty equivalent to a dark and moody, fudgy brownie – the perfect counterbalance, if you will.

You may not have thought you could get a non-chocolatey dessert to be fudgy, but the richness of these squares achieves just that, a delicious fudginess. Plus, the glaze on top is both literally and figuratively the icing on the cake, offering up even more lemon flavor and the perfect glossiness to make these bars even tastier and cuter. We make them all the time during the spring and summer, plus, anytime we need a little, sunshine-y pick-me-up in the middle of the cold months, these do just the trick. Trust us, we can’t get enough of these, and you won’t be able to either!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemonies are a delightful twist on the traditional brownie, offering a bright and zesty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of lemon or just looking for a new dessert to try, these bars are sure to impress with their fudgy texture and citrusy glaze.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick

Ingredients

• 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. Mix in the melted butter, 1/4 cup lemon juice, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until just incorporated.
4. Pour the batter into the lined baking dish and place in the oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool.
6. While cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and remaining lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Pour the glaze over the cooled lemonies and top with lemon zest. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Also, make sure your butter is cooled before mixing it in to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze for a hint of salty-sweet contrast. You can also try adding poppy seeds for an extra crunch.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of lemonies is a sweet indulgence that offers a refreshing citrus flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a touch of brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use lime instead of lemon? Absolutely! Lime can be a great alternative for a slightly different citrus twist.

How should I store lemonies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and tasting these scrumptious homemade lemonies as much as we do. They are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a fudgy texture that is simply irresistible. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your lemony creations with us!