Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Intense Lemon Flavor: Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice, these brownies deliver a vibrant citrus punch.
- Fudgy Texture: Despite being gluten-free, they maintain a rich and fudgy consistency reminiscent of traditional brownies.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible even to novice bakers.
Ingredients
- 250g caster or granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 170g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 45g freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 150g plain gluten-free flour blend
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend contains it)
- ¼ tsp salt
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a 9-inch (23cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest: In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until it’s fragrant and slightly moist.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla to the sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if needed), and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden, a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, and the brownies are soft to the touch. It’s better to underbake slightly for a fudgier texture.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the icing.
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, combine 120g powdered sugar, 55g room temperature full-fat cream cheese, 10g freshly squeezed lemon juice, zest of ½ lemon, and ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Ice the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Allow the icing to set before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 brownies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese for the icing.
- Lemon Glaze: For a lighter topping, omit the cream cheese icing and drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Add Berries: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Individually wrap brownies in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy the brownies at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a softer texture.
FAQs
What makes these brownies gluten-free?
These brownies use a plain gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use regular flour if I’m not gluten intolerant?
Yes, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour in equal measure if gluten isn’t a concern.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when the top is golden, a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, and they feel soft to the touch. Slight underbaking ensures a fudgy texture.
Can I omit the cream cheese icing?
Yes, you can skip the icing or replace it with a simple lemon glaze if preferred.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What can I use as a dairy-free substitute for butter and cream cheese?
Dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese can be used
Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies are a zesty, fudgy dessert perfect for lemon lovers. These rich brownies feature a vibrant citrus flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese icing for an irresistible gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 250g caster or granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 170g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 45g freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 150g plain gluten-free flour blend
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains it)
- ¼ tsp salt
- For Icing:
- 120g powdered sugar
- 55g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 10g freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Infuse Sugar: Mix sugar and lemon zest, rubbing zest into sugar until fragrant.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice for a smooth batter.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Ice and Set: Spread icing on cooled brownies and let set before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Slight underbaking gives a fudgier texture.
- Skip xanthan gum if your gluten-free blend includes it.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
