Description
These Best Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, featuring a moist and tangy lemon-flavored base topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfectly balanced with zesty lemon juice and zest, they are easy to prepare using yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix, making them a quick and refreshing dessert for any lemon lover.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
- 3.4 ounces lemon instant pudding mix
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (more if needed for desired consistency)
- lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the yellow cake mix, lemon instant pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake Brownies: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make Lemon Glaze: While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if necessary.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once cooled, slice the brownies into squares, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top, and optionally sprinkle with additional lemon zest for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright lemon flavor.
- Monitor baking time closely to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the brownies.
- Glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
