Okay, so if you’re anything like me, you *love* a good holiday bake, but sometimes you just want something a little different, right? That’s where these lemon brownies come in! They’re like a ray of sunshine in brownie form, and I’m telling you, they are absolute perfection for both Easter and Christmas. Forget the heavy, dark stuff for a minute – these are bright, zesty, and have this wonderfully chewy texture that just makes you happy. I whipped up a batch last Christmas, and they were gone in a flash! Everyone kept asking for the recipe, so I knew I had to share them with you all.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Lemon Brownies for Easter and Christmas
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these little bites of sunshine, you’ll need to round up a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably have in your pantry already, or it’s super easy to grab.
Essential Baking Staples
First up, we need our wet ingredients to get this party started. You’ll need 1 cup (that’s two sticks!) of unsalted butter, and make sure it’s melted. Then, grab 2 cups of granulated sugar – this is what makes them nice and sweet. We’ll also need 4 large eggs, which give them that lovely chewy texture. And for the dry stuff, get ready with 1 and a half cups of all-purpose flour, just half a teaspoon of baking powder for a little lift, and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon salt to balance everything out.
For That Zesty Lemon Kick
Now for the star of the show – the lemon! You absolutely *have* to use fresh lemons here, trust me. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, which is usually from one or two juicy lemons. And don’t forget the zest! Grate the zest from 1 tablespoon of lemon. This is where all that amazing lemon perfume comes from, so get in there and grate it up!
Optional Sweet Glaze
If you want to take these to the next level, you can whip up a super simple glaze. It’s totally optional, but it adds such a pretty touch and an extra burst of lemon. You’ll just need about 1 cup of powdered sugar and then 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to get the right drizzly consistency. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Brownies for Easter and Christmas
Preparing Your Baking Station
Okay, first things first, let’s get our oven ready! Go ahead and preheat it to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking pan. You’ll want to grease it really well and then give it a light dusting of flour. This little step is super important, trust me, it makes sure your beautiful lemon brownies don’t stick around in the pan when they’re done. Nobody wants a broken brownie!
Creating the Brownie Batter Base
Now for the fun part – making the batter! In a nice big bowl, whisk together that melted butter and the granulated sugar until they’re best friends and totally combined. Next, crack in your eggs, one at a time, giving it a good mix after each one. Then, stir in the fresh lemon juice, all that lovely lemon zest you grated, and the vanilla extract. It’s going to smell amazing already! In a separate bowl, quickly whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt together. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix it until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here – overmixing can make them tough. Stop as soon as you don’t see big streaks of flour anymore.
Baking Your Lemon Brownies to Perfection
Pour all that glorious batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so you have a nice flat surface. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The best way to know if they’re ready is the toothpick test! Stick a toothpick right into the center – you’re looking for it to come out with some moist crumbs attached. If it comes out totally clean, they might be a little overbaked, and if it’s wet batter, they need more time. We want perfectly moist crumbs!
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once they look perfect, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is crucial! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll just fall apart. Patience, my friends! Once they’re totally cool, you can cut them into squares. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up that optional glaze. Just whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until it’s smooth and drizzle-able. Then, drizzle it all over the cooled brownies. It adds a beautiful finish and an extra zing!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Brownies for Easter and Christmas
Seriously, these lemon brownies are a game-changer for your holiday baking! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Bright, refreshing lemon flavor: They’re not too sweet, with just the perfect amount of tangy lemon that cuts through beautifully.
- Chewy texture: Oh my goodness, the chewiness! They have that perfect, satisfying bite that just melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Easter and Christmas celebrations: Their sunny color and zesty taste are ideal for spring holidays and add a lovely brightness to Christmas treats too.
- Easy to prepare: You can whip these up in no time, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million things during the holidays!
- Visually appealing: Especially with that optional glaze, they look absolutely gorgeous on any dessert table.
Tips for Lemon Brownie Success
I’ve made these lemon brownies enough times to know a few tricks that really make them shine. You want that perfect balance of chewy and bright, right? Well, let me tell you how to get there!
Achieving the Perfect Texture
So, the bake time is key here for that texture we’re all after. If you like your brownies really chewy, on the fudgier side, you’ll want to pull them out of the oven right when that toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. Don’t let it go in clean! If you prefer a more cake-like brownie, just let them bake a few minutes longer. It’s all about what you love best, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Maximizing Lemon Flavor
Seriously, the fresh lemon is non-negotiable for that incredible flavor. I know sometimes life gets crazy and you might think about using bottled lemon juice, but trust me, it’s just not the same. The zest is where all that bright, floral aroma and punchy taste comes from. So, get a good microplane or the fine side of your grater, and really get in there to zest those lemons before you juice them. It makes all the difference! For more lemon-y goodness, check out these lemon muffins.
Serving and Storing Your Lemon Brownies
These lemon brownies are so versatile, you can seriously serve them anywhere! They’re fantastic on their own, of course, especially when they’re still slightly warm or at room temperature. They look gorgeous on a dessert platter for Easter brunch or as a bright spot on your Christmas cookie tray.
Delicious Serving Pairings
Honestly, they’re perfect just as they are, but if you want to jazz things up, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A few fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, on the side also add a lovely pop of color and flavor. They’re also just divine with a cup of tea or coffee! For another bright dessert, try our lemon raspberry swirl cheesecake cups.
Keeping Your Lemon Brownies Fresh
Now, if you actually manage to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super simple. Just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. I usually put a piece of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them, just to keep them from sticking together, especially if you’ve added that yummy glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Brownies for Easter and Christmas
Got questions about these bright and zesty lemon brownies? I’ve got answers!
Can I Make These Lemon Brownies Ahead of Time?
Oh, absolutely! These are actually *perfect* for making ahead, which is such a lifesaver during busy holiday times like Easter or Christmas. You can bake them a day or two in advance, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better the next day when the flavors really meld together!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
Okay, so while fresh lemons are *really* the best for that bright, authentic lemon flavor, I know sometimes you’re in a pinch. If you absolutely can’t find fresh lemons, you *can* use bottled lemon juice. For the same amount of juice (1/4 cup), just use the bottled stuff. However, for the zest, it’s really hard to substitute. Bottled lemon zest just doesn’t have the same vibrant aroma or taste. If you can only find bottled juice, try to at least get one fresh lemon for the zest, or skip the zest if you absolutely have to. But really, grab those fresh lemons if you can – they make all the difference! For a similar citrusy treat, consider these limoncello cake.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate since we’re all baking these with a little bit of love and maybe a splash more lemon than called for! On average, one of these delightful lemon brownies is about 200 calories, with around 10 grams of fat (6g saturated), 28g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. You’ll also find about 25g of sugar in there, which is expected for a sweet treat! For more holiday baking inspiration, check out our Italian Easter cookies.
Bright Lemon Brownies: Perfect for 2 Holidays
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and zesty lemon brownies, perfect for any holiday celebration, especially Easter and Christmas. These chewy bars offer a delightful citrus twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- Optional: Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Notes
- For a chewier brownie, bake for a shorter time. For a cakier brownie, bake for a longer time.
- Ensure your lemon zest is from fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: lemon brownies, holiday dessert, Easter, Christmas, citrus bars, chewy brownies, easy baking