Lemon Brownie Bars

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Extra lemon zest for garnish You need simple ingredients to make these lemon brownie bars. The melted butter gives a rich base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the bars rise. The eggs hold everything together and add moisture. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Lemon zest is key. It adds a bright, fresh taste to the bars. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while baking powder helps them rise. A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor. For the icing, you will need powdered sugar and lemon juice. This combo creates a smooth glaze that adds a tangy kick. Extra lemon zest makes the bars look pretty and adds a burst of flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you’re set to create a delightful treat. For full details, check the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of melted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. This mix will create a sweet base for your bars. Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and the zest from 1 teaspoon of lemon. Now, grab a separate bowl. Sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps keep your bars light and fluffy. Gradually fold the dry mix into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula and be gentle to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of tender. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are perfect! While your brownie bars bake, prepare the lemon icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more lemon juice. You want it to drizzle nicely over your bars. Once the bars are done baking, let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After they cool, drizzle the lemon icing over the bars. Finish with extra lemon zest for a pop of color. Cut into squares or bars and enjoy your lemon brownie treat! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Proper mixing is key to great lemon brownie bars. I always mix the melted butter and sugar until it's smooth and creamy. This step helps create a nice texture. When adding eggs, do it one at a time. Whisk after each egg to blend well. Avoiding overmixing is also important. Once you fold in the dry ingredients, stop when it's just combined. This way, your bars stay soft and tender. Overmixing can make them tough, and that’s not what we want. Garnishes can make your lemon brownie bars pop! I love to drizzle lemon icing on top. It adds a nice shine and flavor. Sprinkling extra lemon zest gives a fresh look. When serving, try placing the bars on a colorful platter. You can add fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint for extra flair. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Want more lemon flavor? You can add extra lemon zest or juice to the batter. This makes the bars even zestier and more refreshing. Pairing these bars with complementary desserts is a fun idea. They go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Each bite will be a burst of flavor! For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Zing Brownie Bars . {{image_2}} You can make lemon brownie bars even more fun by adding fruit. Blueberries or raspberries bring a bright pop of color and flavor. They pair well with the lemony goodness. Just fold in about one cup of your chosen fruit into the batter. This adds a nice twist and extra moisture. You can also explore other citrus fruits. Try orange or lime for a fresh take. Each fruit gives a unique taste and aroma. Just replace some lemon juice in the recipe with your chosen citrus juice. This way, you can create a new favorite. If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works great. It gives the bars a rich, nutty taste. Use the same amount of almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just watch the baking time, as it may change slightly. For vegan alternatives, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This keeps the bars moist and tasty. For a different twist, try cream cheese icing instead of lemon icing. Cream cheese adds a rich flavor and smooth texture. Just mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice. This makes for a delicious topping. You can also explore icing flavors like lavender. Just add a few drops of lavender extract to your icing. This will give a lovely, floral note that pairs well with lemon. Get creative with your icing, and make your lemon brownie bars unique! To keep your lemon brownie bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This method keeps the bars moist and tasty. They can stay good for about three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent drying out. You can freeze lemon brownie bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a bar, you can thaw them easily. Simply take them out of the freezer and leave them at room temperature. They will be ready to eat in about an hour. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you're in a hurry. For the full recipe, be sure to check back for more delicious treats! Yes, you can make these lemon brownie bars ahead of time. I recommend making them one to two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and tasty. If you need a substitute for unsalted butter, you have a few options. You can use coconut oil, margarine, or even applesauce for a healthier option. Each will change the flavor a bit, but they all work well. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry. Absolutely! To boost the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or juice. I suggest using an extra half teaspoon of zest or a tablespoon of juice. This will give your bars a brighter taste. To prevent sticking, line your baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang for easy removal. You can also lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter before adding the batter. In this article, we covered how to make delicious lemon brownie bars. We detailed the ingredients, from unsalted butter to lemon zest. I shared step-by-step instructions that guide you through each stage, from mixing to baking. We also offered tips for perfecting your bars and suggested flavor variations. Remember, these treats are flexible; experiment to find your favorite twist. With proper storage, you’ll keep them fresh and tasty. Enjoy baking these delightful lemon brownie bars and impress your family and friends with your skills!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Lemon Zing Brownie Bars that brighten up any dessert table! With a perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet chocolate, these bars are easy to make and utterly irresistible. Discover the simple steps to create this zesty treat, perfect for sharing at your next gathering. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these deliciously fresh brownie bars!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.

Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure it's fully blended. Then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the brownie bars are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if necessary.

Once the brownie bars are done baking, let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and place them on the rack to cool completely.

Drizzle the lemon icing over the cooled bars and sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a pop of color.

Once the icing has set, cut into squares or bars to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 16

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the brownie bars on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness.