Lemon Blondies Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy with an irresistibly chewy texture, this Lemon Blondies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bright lemon zest and juice pack every bite with fresh citrus flavor, while the tender, buttery base keeps things luscious and comforting. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, these lemon blondies will quickly become a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, afternoon treats, or whenever you need a cheerful dessert to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect lemon blondies texture and flavor. From the richness of butter to the zing of fresh lemon juice, every element works in harmony to delight your taste buds.

• Melted unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides a rich, moist base and enhances the blondies’ tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Balances the tartness perfectly and helps create that classic blondie chew.
• Large eggs (4): Bind everything together while adding structure and richness.
• Lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Adds concentrated lemon aroma and a burst of citrus flavor with every bite.
• Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons): The star that gives the blondies their bright tang; the extra juice is for the glaze.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): Builds the structure without weighing down the delicate cause.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift so the blondies aren’t too dense.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Transforms into a smooth, glossy glaze that crowns the blondies with sweetness and shine.

How to Make Lemon Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal later and helps your lemon blondies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. This step is key for that gorgeous chewy texture and sweet base that holds all the lemony goodness.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in four large eggs, introducing them one at a time and mixing well after each addition. This method gives you a smooth, well-emulsified batter that rises beautifully while baking.

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Zest and Juice

Stir in the fresh lemon zest and 1/4 cup lemon juice to your batter. This fresh citrus combination adds vibrant flavor and a natural brightness that sets this blondie apart.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately prevents clumps and ensures an even spread of leavening.

Step 6: Fold Dry Into Wet

Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. You want the batter just combined to keep those blondies tender and light.

Step 7: Spread Batter in Pan

Evenly spread the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Uniform thickness helps the blondies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.

Step 8: Bake Until Set

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, keeping a close eye on the center. You’ll know they’re done when the center is set but still moist and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This keeps them chewy without drying out.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let your lemon blondies cool in the pan completely before glazing. This patience pays off by letting the bars firm up, ensuring your glaze won’t melt off and you get clean slices.

Step 10: Prepare and Spread the Glaze

Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. Spread it evenly over the cooled bars to add a sweet, tangy finishing touch that’s irresistible.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Allow the glaze to set fully before slicing into 16 squares. This step ensures clean cuts and picture-perfect lemon blondies that are ready to wow your friends and family.

How to Serve Lemon Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest or add a few edible flowers on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also pair beautifully, adding color and a hint of freshness that complements the tart glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair these lemon blondies with light and refreshing accompaniments such as iced tea, lemonade, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Their creamy texture beautifully balances the tangy, slightly sweet richness of the blondies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving lemon blondies layered with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit for a delightful dessert parfait. They also make an excellent base for a sweet picnic box or an elegant dessert platter when cut into bite-size pieces and arranged with fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover lemon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered preserves their moist texture and the glaze’s delicate shine.

Freezing

You can freeze lemon blondies either sliced or whole. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm individual blondie squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the gooey warmth that makes lemon blondies so comforting.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?

While lemon extract offers convenience, fresh lemon zest and juice provide a more vibrant and natural citrus flavor that really makes this Lemon Blondies Recipe stand out.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your baking pan generously with butter or nonstick spray, but parchment helps with easy removal and cleanup, making it well worth the investment.

Are lemon blondies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free blends—just be sure to check the blend’s substitution ratio for best results.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly, but keep in mind it will affect both sweetness and texture. The powdered sugar glaze helps balance the lemon’s tartness, so it’s best not to cut that too much.

How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?

The edges will be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the blondies are chewy and tender without being raw.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blondies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats because it’s straightforward to make and packed with fresh, bright flavor that feels like sunshine in every bite. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—it’s a little slice of happiness that’s simply too good to keep to yourself!

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