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🍋✨ Sunshine Lemon Brownies (Zesty, Buttery & Glazed to Perfection!)

These Lemon Brownies are the ultimate citrus lover's dream—not actually brownies, but dense, fudgy lemon bars with a crackly top and tart glaze. Imagine the chewy texture of a brownie meets the bright punch of lemon bars, all in one irresistible dessert. Perfect for spring brunches, tea parties, or when you need a burst of sunshine in every bite!

Why This Recipe Stands Out:
✔️ Unusual twist on classic lemon desserts
✔️ Balanced flavor – not too sweet, not too tart
✔️ One-bowl wonder (minimal cleanup!)
✔️ Stays moist for days thanks to the olive oil addition

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Lemon Brownies:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60g) almond flour (for texture; sub all-purpose if needed)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tbsp)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

For Garnish:

  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Extra lemon zest

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Batter

  1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flours, and salt.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in melted butter, olive oil, eggs, lemon zest/juice, and vanilla. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).

2️⃣ Bake

  1. Prep pan: Line an 8x8" baking pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy removal).
  2. Spread batter: Pour in batter and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F/175°C for 23–25 mins until edges are golden and center springs back when touched.

3️⃣ Glaze & Cool

  1. Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add zest if using.
  2. Finish: Drizzle glaze over warm brownies. Let cool completely (1 hour) before slicing into squares.

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🧊 Storage & Tips

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 3 days (glaze keeps them moist).
Freezer: Freeze unglazed squares for 1 month. Add glaze after thawing.

Pro Tips:
✅ For extra fudginess, underbake by 2 minutes.
✅ Zest hack: Use a microplane for superfine zest without bitterness.
✅ Adult twist: Add 1 tbsp limoncello to the glaze.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Estimated Cost: 6
Calories: 210 kcal
Best Season: Spring, Summer
Description

These squares boast a dense, velvety crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tart powdered sugar glaze that seeps into every nook. The secret? Olive oil adds richness while keeping them supremely moist. They’re what would happen if lemon bars and blondies had a delicious love child.

Ingredients
    For the Lemon Brownies:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (for texture; sub all-purpose if needed) (60g)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115g)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 Zest of lemons (about 2 tbsp)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
    • For Garnish:
  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Extra lemon zest
Instructions
    Make the Batter
  1. 1
    Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flours, and salt.
  2. 2
    Add wet ingredients: Pour in melted butter, olive oil, eggs, lemon zest/juice, and vanilla. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
    3. Bake
  3. 3
    Prep pan: Line an 8x8" baking pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy removal).
  4. 4
    Spread batter: Pour in batter and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F/175°C for 23–25 mins until edges are golden and center springs back when touched.
    5. Glaze & Cool
  5. 5
    Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add zest if using.
  6. 6
    Finish: Drizzle glaze over warm brownies. Let cool completely (1 hour) before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 210kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
Sugars 20g
Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

🧊 Storage & Tips

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 3 days (glaze keeps them moist).
Freezer: Freeze unglazed squares for 1 month. Add glaze after thawing.

Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon blondies, citrus dessert recipe, easy lemon bars, fudgy lemon squares, spring desserts

Pro Tips:
✅ For extra fudginess, underbake by 2 minutes.
✅ Zest hack: Use a microplane for superfine zest without bitterness.
✅ Adult twist: Add 1 tbsp limoncello to the glaze.

Read it online: https://shabskitchen.com/recipe/%f0%9f%8d%8b%e2%9c%a8-sunshine-lemon-brownies-zesty-buttery-glazed-to-perfection/