Name: One Bowl Lemon Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup White Granulated Sugar; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; 12 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature); 3 large Large Eggs (room temperature); 2 lemons Lemons (zested and juiced); 1 cup Confectioners Sugar; 2-3 tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice; 1 tablespoon Freshly Grated Lemon Zest (optional)

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There’s something truly magical about a sweet and tangy dessert that can lift your spirits, and that’s exactly what One Bowl Lemon Brownies do for me. I remember the first time I baked these delightful treats on a sunny spring afternoon. The scent of freshly zested lemons filled my kitchen, and with each stir of the batter, my excitement grew. I was hosting a small gathering, and I wanted to impress my friends with something that felt both indulgent and refreshing. The idea of lemon brownies was a new adventure for me, but I had faith in the zesty flavors that were coming together in that mixing bowl. It became an instant hit! Everyone raved about how the tartness of the lemons perfectly balanced the sweetness of the sugar. They were a delightful departure from traditional brownies, and I can still hear my friend’s laughter as they savored every bite, asking for the recipe. Over the years, I’ve modified the recipe a bit, but the essence remains the same. These brownies are incredibly easy to whip up, require minimal cleanup, and taste absolutely fantastic!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Grater, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

What Sets This One Bowl Lemon Brownies Apart

Convenience at Its Best

Who doesn’t love a recipe that requires just one bowl? The One Bowl Lemon Brownies simplify the baking process, making it accessible for everyone, from novice bakers to experienced chefs. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to throw everything into one bowl, mix, and bake!

Brightening Up Any Occasion

These brownies are perfect for any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. The vibrant lemon flavor adds a refreshing touch that makes them ideal for spring and summer events. Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or just a Tuesday, they fit right in.

Texture That Melt In Your Mouth

The texture of these brownies is something to rave about. They’re soft and chewy, yet have a slight crust that adds a satisfying bite. The combination of the zesty lemon glaze brings another layer of experience to each piece, making it a delightful indulgence.

Perfect for All Ages

Kids and adults alike adore these treats! The unique combination of flavors captures the interest of children while still appealing to adults’ palates. It’s a dessert that brings everyone together—who can resist a delicious brownie?

Customizable for Your Tastes

You can easily customize One Bowl Lemon Brownies to suit your preferences. Want to add a hint of blueberry or some poppy seeds? Go for it. They’re versatile and can be tailored to whatever you’re in the mood for.

Make Ahead and Store

These brownies can be made ahead of time, allowing you to save time when hosting. They stay fresh in the fridge for several days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. It’s so convenient to have them ready when the craving hits!

Ingredients Overview for One Bowl Lemon Brownies

The ingredients for One Bowl Lemon Brownies bring together a delightful mix of flavors and textures that create a truly memorable dessert. Each component plays a vital role; the all-purpose flour provides structure, while the butter contributes richness and moisture. The lemons, both zested and juiced, infuse this treat with that signature tangy brightness, and the sweetness from the granulated sugar and confectioners sugar beautifully balances the tartness. Altogether, they create a harmonious blend that’s simply irresistible.

All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup – The backbone of your brownies, providing necessary structure and chewiness.
White Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Adds sweetness to the brownies, balancing the tartness of the lemons.
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor, cutting through the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: 12 tablespoons (¾ cup) – Provides richness and moisture; softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Large Eggs: 3 – Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving a fluffy texture.
Lemons: 2 (zested and juiced) – The star ingredient, adding a fresh and zesty flavor.
Confectioners Sugar: 1 cup – Used for the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth finish.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 2-3 tablespoons – Adds zing to the glaze, enhancing the lemon flavor.
Freshly Grated Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon (optional) – Extra lemon flavor and aroma that brightens the glaze.

Making One Bowl Lemon Brownies

Baking One Bowl Lemon Brownies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip these up and enjoy them fresh from the oven. Let’s dive into the detailed steps!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring even baking. You’ll want that heat ready to go as soon as your batter is prepared.
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease it with baking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier removal once the brownies are baked.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the flour, sugar, and butter until creamy. About 2 to 3 minutes of mixing should do the trick; you want a smooth and homogenous mixture.
Add salt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the flour mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. It’s important to stop once to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure the corners are well filled. This will help the brownies bake uniformly.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. Begin checking for doneness after 20 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean, with the sides of the cake turning golden brown and the center set.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes. This cooling step helps the brownies firm up a bit more before transferring them.
After 10 minutes, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to continue cooling. It’s essential to let it cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting away.
For the glaze, add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and stir to combine until smooth, with no lumps. If the mixture is too thin, add more confectioners sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. If it’s too thick, add more lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies. Let it settle for a few minutes; this will create a lovely finish on top.
Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your One Bowl Lemon Brownies, and don’t forget to share!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Temperature Matters: Always use room-temperature ingredients; this helps the batter blend smoothly and evenly.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined and smooth; overmixing may cause the brownies to be tough instead of tender.
Choose Your Pan Wisely: If possible, use a light metal or glass pan instead of a dark one. Dark pans absorb more heat, causing the edges to overbake.
Cool Before Slicing: Avoid slicing the brownies while they are still hot; let them cool completely for even slices.

Make It Your Own

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to personalize your One Bowl Lemon Brownies! Here are some ideas to make these brownies uniquely yours.

Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different fruits or flavors to the batter, like blueberries or poppy seeds, to create a unique twist.
Decorate the Glaze: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a fun, festive touch, especially for celebrations.
Use Different Citrus: If you’re feeling adventurous, use lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies for an indulgent touch.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving One Bowl Lemon Brownies, they are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of occasions and dishes. Here are some suggestions for pairing them:

With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to enhance the bright lemony flavor.
For Afternoon Tea: Pair these brownies with a light herbal tea or iced tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
As a Lunchbox Treat: Pack these brownies in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise; they’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
At Spring Gatherings: These brownies shine at spring picnics or garden parties, bringing a burst of flavor to your spread.
For a Dessert Table: Include them in a dessert table alongside other sweets and pastries during celebrations.
With Coffee: Enjoy a brownie with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

FAQ

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Whole wheat flour can make the brownies denser and give them a nutty taste. If you prefer a lighter brownie, consider mixing half all-purpose flour with half whole wheat flour.

To make gluten-free One Bowl Lemon Brownies, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness without the gluten!

Store any leftover One Bowl Lemon Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to One Bowl Lemon Brownies can impart an extra layer of flavor and richness. You can fold in about half a cup of chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the baking dish for a delightful twist!

Conclusion

The One Bowl Lemon Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of brownies with a zesty lemon punch. They’re not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and refreshing. I encourage you to give these a try and bring a burst of flavor to your dessert table. You won’t regret serving these at your next gathering or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea at home. Happy baking!