Zesty Lemon Blondies

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Serves: 12

These bright and citrusy lemon squares bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table! Each bite combines the tang of fresh lemons with a rich, buttery base, making them perfect for any gathering. Whether you're sharing with friends or savoring them yourself, these sweet treats are irresistible. Plus, they're quick to make, so you can satisfy your lemon cravings in no time.

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup melted butter
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ½ tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon extract for extra zing
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8 baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Whisk until creamy and smooth.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract if using.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the lemon squares cool while you prepare the glaze.
7. For the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
8. Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top and let it set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Substitutions:

Butter: Swap with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

• Lemon Zest: If you're out of fresh lemons, you can substitute dried lemon zest, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons.
• Vanilla Extract: Almond extract adds a different flavor twist, but use half the amount.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Storage:

Keep these lemon squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

https://12tomatoes.com/lemon-blondies/