One Bowl Lemon Brownies

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat to brighten your day, these One Bowl Lemon Brownies are just the ticket! With their vibrant lemon flavor and fudgy texture, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that can be whipped up in one bowl?

What makes these brownies truly special is their refreshing taste and ease of preparation. You don’t need to fuss with multiple bowls or complicated steps. Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy! It’s like sunshine on a plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 10 minutes, you can have these delicious brownies ready for the oven.
• One bowl wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your treats with family and friends!
• Perfectly balanced flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates an irresistible zing that will keep everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile dessert: Great for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dessert or an impressive treat for guests.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these fudgy treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! These items are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making it easy to whip up these One Bowl Lemon Brownies anytime you crave something sweet.

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (optional)

Variations

One Bowl Lemon Brownies are wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Make it chocolatey: Swirl in some melted chocolate before baking for a delicious twist.
• Infuse with herbs: Experiment by adding fresh mint or basil for an aromatic touch.
• Fruitier flavor: Mix in some blueberries or raspberries for extra fruity goodness.

How to Make One Bowl Lemon Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease it with baking spray or butter. This will help prevent the brownies from sticking, making cleanup much easier!

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In one large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and eggs. Stir until well blended. Then add in the lemon zest and juice along with the flour and salt. Mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough brownies!

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are cooling, whisk together confectioners sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth. If you like an extra zing, add some grated lemon zest into the glaze as well!

Step 6: Glaze Your Brownies

Once your brownies have cooled slightly, drizzle them with the lemon glaze. Let it set for a bit before cutting them into squares.

Enjoy these delicious One Bowl Lemon Brownies as a delightful finish to any meal—or just because you deserve something sweet!

Pro Tips for Making One Bowl Lemon Brownies

Baking should be fun, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect One Bowl Lemon Brownies with ease!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature ensures they blend together smoothly, creating a fudgy texture in your brownies.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps keep the brownies tender instead of tough, resulting in that delightful fudgy consistency.
• Zest before juicing – Zesting the lemons before juicing ensures you get all the flavorful oils from the skin, adding an extra layer of brightness to your brownies.
• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This prevents overbaking and keeps them deliciously chewy.
• Let them cool completely – Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting helps them set properly, making it easier to achieve clean, beautiful squares.

How to Serve One Bowl Lemon Brownies

These One Bowl Lemon Brownies are not just tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present them when serving.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar on top adds a beautiful touch and enhances their sweetness.
• Fresh berries – A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries not only looks stunning but also introduces a pop of color and flavor that complements the lemony goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the tartness of the lemon brownies perfectly, creating a delightful dessert duo.
• Basil or mint tea – A refreshing herbal tea can cleanse the palate after indulging in these rich treats and adds an elegant touch to your dessert experience.
• Fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and offers a refreshing contrast to the dense brownie texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

These One Bowl Lemon Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your lemony treats fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will last about a week.
• Always place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, let the brownies come to room temperature if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownies on a baking sheet.
• Warm for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through. Enjoy with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making One Bowl Lemon Brownies.

Can I use gluten-free flour for One Bowl Lemon Brownies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure it is a 1:1 ratio substitute.

How do I know when my One Bowl Lemon Brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when the edges look set and slightly golden, while the center may still look a bit moist. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my One Bowl Lemon Brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some nuts or chocolate chips before baking for added texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?

For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute without changing the overall texture too much.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful One Bowl Lemon Brownies as much as I do! They’re not only simple but also packed with refreshing lemon flavor that brightens any day. Whether you’re preparing them for yourself, family gatherings, or just because you crave something sweet, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around. So get baking, share the love, and enjoy every bite!