Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, lemon pudding mix, lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust with more lemon juice if needed.
- Once fully cooled, cut the brownies into squares. Drizzle with the glaze and top with a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Variations
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Add 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of lime zest to both the batter and the glaze.
- Berry Burst: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh raspberries or blueberries to the batter before baking.
- Poppy Seed Addition: Stir in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace part of the powdered sugar glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.
Tips
- Zest First, Juice Second: Always zest your lemons before juicing to avoid difficulty handling slippery fruit.
- Don’t Overbake: For a fudgier texture, pull the brownies out when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and depth of flavor that fresh lemons provide.
- Make Ahead: These brownies store beautifully. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days—they often taste even better the next day.
- Serve Chilled: For a cool summer dessert, refrigerate the glazed brownies for at least an hour before serving.
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Let these lemon brownies be your go-to dessert when you want something easy, bright, and unforgettable.