In a world where chocolate brownies have long reigned supreme, the concept of Lemon Brownies might seem like a whimsical twist to a classic favorite. However, this blend of comfort and surprise makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to infuse their dessert repertoire with a burst of citrusy joy. Made with love and an eye for simplicity, Dessert For Two’s distinctive take on brownies is a testament to the magic that happens when we dare to explore the road less traveled in the kitchen.
For those cozy nights at home or intimate gatherings with a significant other, this Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies Recipe promises to deliver on flavor and embodies the essence of sharing and creating memories over a plate of something truly special.
Table of Contents
How to Make Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies
Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies, also known as Lemon Blondies, are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate brownies. They’re essentially a lemon-flavored bar or square, similar in texture to brownies but with a citrusy twist.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to easily remove the brownies later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This will typically take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Lemon: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Afterward, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Make sure not to overmix to avoid tough brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. While the brownies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for garnish.
- Cut and Serve: Once the glaze has set, cut the brownies into servings. An 8×8-inch pan can be divided into either 9 larger squares or 16 smaller ones, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Brownies:
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the brightest lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice and fresh zest.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaked brownies lose their moist and fudgy texture.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Glazing while hot can cause the glaze to melt and run right off the brownies. Patience ensures a beautifully glazed top.
- Store Properly: Keep your lemon brownies in an airtight container to maintain their moistness. They can also be refrigerated if you prefer them chilled.
What to serve with
Pairing the right accompaniments with Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies can transform a simple dessert into an indulgent treat, perfect for a date night or a small gathering. Let’s explore several delightful pairing options that will complement the zesty, sweet taste of the brownies, enhancing the overall dessert experience:
1. Beverage Pairings:
- Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee is a classic pairing for any sweet dessert. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies, while its warm, rich aroma complements the citrus notes. Opt for a light or medium roast to avoid overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Tea: For tea lovers, consider serving a delicate white tea or a floral chamomile. These teas have light flavors that won’t compete with the lemon. Alternatively, a hint of mint in a Moroccan mint tea can wonderfully align with the lemon’s freshness.
- Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine like a Riesling or a Moscato complements the citrusy sweetness of lemon brownies well. These wines are light and fruity, with their hint of citrus notes echoing the lemon in the Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies.
2. Dairy Accoutrements:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each brownie slice adds a luxurious texture and helps to soften the intense lemon flavor, providing a creamy contrast.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice for serving with lemon brownies. The creaminess and subtle flavor of vanilla ice cream complement the tangy profile of the brownies without overwhelming the palate.
3. Fresh Fruits:
- Citrus Segments: Consider adding segments of fresh oranges or grapefruits to create a citrus-themed dessert platter. These fruits share a similar flavor profile with lemon, enhancing the overall zestiness of the meal.
4. Nut and Cheese Plate:
- Assorted Nuts: A small plate of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, or walnuts, can add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soft, cake-like texture of the brownies.
- Cheese: For a more sophisticated dessert experience, pair the lemon brownies with a mild, creamy cheese like mascarpone or soft goat cheese. The cheese’s creaminess will balance the lemon’s acidity.
5. Dessert Sauces:
- Raspberry Sauce: Drizzle a raspberry sauce over the brownies for an added layer of flavor. The tartness of the raspberry pairs well with the tangy lemon.
- Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey over the brownies right before serving can enhance their sweetness and add a smooth texture to the dessert.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies, you might need ingredient substitutes due to dietary restrictions or simply because you’re out of a certain item. Here are detailed substitutions for some of the key ingredients in the recipe:
All-Purpose Flour:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute equal amounts of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum, which mimics the texture of gluten in baked goods.
- Almond Flour: For a low-carb, gluten-free alternative, almond flour can be used, though the texture of the brownies may be denser. Use a ratio of 1:1, but be aware that additional binding agents (like an extra egg) might be necessary due to almond flour’s lack of gluten.
Granulated Sugar:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer a liquid sweetener, honey or maple syrup can be used. Because these are liquid, reduce other liquid ingredients in the recipe by about ¼ cup for every cup of syrup used. The sweetness might be more pronounced, so you might want to use slightly less than a 1:1 ratio.
Unsalted Butter:
- Applesauce: For a low-fat option, unsweetened applesauce can replace butter in a 1:1 ratio, but this substitution may affect the texture, making the brownies more cake-like.
Eggs:
- Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. This can add moisture to your brownies without adding fat.
Lemon Juice and Zest:
- Lime Juice and Zest: If you’re out of lemons but have limes, you can use lime juice and zest in equal amounts for a slightly different but equally delicious citrus flavor.
- Orange Juice and Zelt: For a sweeter, less tart flavor, orange juice and zest can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio, offering a different but pleasant citrusy taste.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze):
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a glaze without powdered sugar, mix a small amount of honey or maple syrup with lemon juice. This will be more of a drizzle than a traditional glaze but will add a smooth, naturally sweetened topping to your brownies.
Final Thoughts
Following these simple steps and helpful tips, you can enjoy the delectable taste of Dessert For Two’s lemon brownies crafted just for two. Pair it with a cup of tea or a glass of ice-cold milk, and indulge in a sweet and tangy experience that Dessert For Two would proudly endorse.
More Brownie Recipes:
- Copycat The Sugar Dealer Brownies Recipe
- Copycat Kodiak Cakes Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix Recipe
- Cottage Cheese Brownies Recipe
- Mississippi Mud Brownies Recipe
- Copycat Little Debbie Cereal Cosmic Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to easily remove the brownies later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This will typically take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Lemon: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Afterward, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Make sure not to overmix to avoid tough brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. While the brownies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for garnish.
- Cut and Serve: Once the glaze has set, cut the brownies into servings. An 8x8-inch pan can be divided into either 9 larger squares or 16 smaller ones, depending on your preference.