Lemon Blondies
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a bright, tangy twist, look no further than these delightful Lemon Blondies. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor that will surely leave you wanting more. Made with simple ingredients, this treat is as easy to whip up as it is satisfying to eat. Perfect for gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the week, these Lemon Blondies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Reasons to Love Lemon Blondies
Lemon Blondies are not just a delicious dessert; they come with a host of reasons to fall in love with them:
- Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, zest, and extract gives these blondies a refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have these blondies in the oven in no time.
- Perfect Texture: The chewy center and slightly crisp edges create a perfect bite every time.
- Versatile: These blondies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or just a snack at home.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
What to Buy
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 113g softened unsalted butter: This will provide richness and moisture to your blondies.
- 200g packed brown sugar: For a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 100g granulated sugar: To add sweetness and balance the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the blondies’ structure.
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor without adding extra liquid.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Grated from 1-2 lemons, it adds a burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: To help the blondies rise slightly.
- Salt: A must for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
- 248g all-purpose flour: The base for these delicious blondies.
- 170g powdered sugar: For the tangy lemon glaze.
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice: For the glaze, to give it that refreshing kick.
Essential Tools for Success
Having the right tools can make the baking process easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients together smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in the flour and ensuring everything is well combined.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for baking your blondies.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.
- Cooling rack: To cool the blondies before cutting and serving.
Step-by-Step: Lemon Blondies
Ready to make your Lemon Blondies? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect treat!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your blondies will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This also helps with cleanup!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Pour into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 10: Glaze the Blondies
Once the blondies are cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.
Tailor It to Your Diet
These Lemon Blondies can be easily adapted to fit various dietary preferences. Here are some suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure your powdered sugar is dairy-free.
- Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by 25% without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free butter.
Method to the Madness
The beauty of Lemon Blondies lies in their simplicity. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Here’s a quick recap of the method:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugars together to create a light and fluffy base.
- Add in the eggs and lemon flavorings, which will infuse the blondies with that zesty kick.
- Combine the dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt.
- Mix everything together until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing for that perfect chewy texture.
- Let them cool before glazing to maintain the integrity of the blondies and the glaze.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Lemon Blondies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Storing: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: If you prefer your blondies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that freshly baked taste!
Reader Questions
Can I use lemon zest from bottled lemon juice?
Using fresh lemon zest is recommended for the best flavor, as it adds a bright citrus aroma that bottled juice cannot replicate. However, if you have to, you can use bottled lemon juice but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to Lemon Blondies?
Absolutely! You can incorporate white chocolate chips, nuts, or even poppy seeds for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the baking time slightly.
Why are my Lemon Blondies dry?
Dry blondies can result from overbaking or too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour accurately and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
The Takeaway
These Lemon Blondies are a delicious treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your sweet tooth. With their chewy texture and zesty flavor, they are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or after they’ve been glazed and cooled, you’ll find that they are a lovely blend of sweet and tart, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a batch of homemade Lemon Blondies that will brighten your day!
Lemon Blondies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies and let it set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These blondies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
