If you are on the lookout for a dessert that brings together the rich smoothness of cream cheese and the bright zing of lemon, you have to try this Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe. These brownies are not your typical chocolate treat; instead, they offer a delightful twist that balances creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in each bite. Perfectly moist and with a luscious lemon glaze, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for those who love something a little different and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of texture and taste, from the softness of the butter to the zesty pop of lemon juice.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the brownies, creating a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to offset the tartness of lemon.
- 1 stick softened salted butter: Enriches the batter, lending moisture and a creamy undertone.
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Gives the signature creamy richness that sets these brownies apart.
- 2 eggs: Act as a binder, giving the brownies their fudgy consistency.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Infuses a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens every bite.
- 3-4 drops yellow food coloring: Adds a sunny hue without altering the flavor, making the brownies as pretty as they are tasty.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking. While it heats up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with non-stick cooking spray. This preparation makes for an easy release after baking, preventing your delicious brownies from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients Then Add Creamy Elements
Start by mixing the sugar and flour in a bowl, giving the base sweetness and structure. Next, add your softened butter and cream cheese. Beat this mixture until it’s creamy and smooth, which will help create the luscious texture that makes these brownies so decadent.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Coloring
Beat in the eggs, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring to the creamy mixture. This step not only combines everything evenly but also infuses that vibrant lemon flavor and beautiful color that make these brownies truly special.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges are set and the center is just firm to the touch. The baking time achieves a tender, moist texture without drying out the delicate lemon cream cheese base.
Step 5: Cool Before Icing
Allow the brownies to cool for 30 minutes in the pan. This cooling step is essential for the icing to set nicely on top, ensuring a perfect finish to your Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Lemon Icing
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to create a glossy icing. Pour this over the brownies and spread evenly. For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle yellow sprinkles on top to elevate their look and add a bit of fun flair.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once iced, slice into squares and enjoy the amazing harmony of creamy, citrusy goodness in every bite. These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to try them.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra lemon zest strips can add a delicate touch and fresh aroma to these brownies. Even a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint creates an inviting presentation perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea to complement their tangy richness. Fresh berries on the side can enhance the dessert’s fruity brightness and add textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the brownies on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant plate to highlight their golden color. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with contrasting treats to create an eye-catching dessert table. Wrapping individual portions in clear bags tied with yellow ribbon makes a charming gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and iced, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful while maintaining their delicious lemony cream cheese appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe treats will keep well for up to 2 months; just thaw them gently in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back a just-baked warmth, microwave the brownies for about 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Their creamy texture is best enjoyed slightly warmed, allowing the flavors to bloom beautifully once again.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it might slightly alter the texture, making the brownies less rich and creamy than with full-fat cream cheese. For the best experience, stick to regular cream cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Just ensure they are softened to maintain the batter’s smooth consistency and creaminess. The lemon flavor will still shine through wonderfully.
Can I use fresh lemon zest instead of lemon juice?
Fresh lemon zest can be added for extra aroma and flavor, but it doesn’t replace the acidity and moisture lemon juice provides. For the perfect balance, use lemon juice as directed and consider adding a teaspoon of zest if desired.
What if I don’t have yellow food coloring?
Yellow food coloring is optional and only affects the appearance. If you don’t have it, the brownies will still taste fantastic but might have a more subtle color. You could also try natural alternatives like turmeric for color, but use sparingly to avoid taste changes.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pan or two 8×8 pans. Adjust the baking time slightly by checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes, as bigger batches may need extra time.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe is a sunshine-filled treat that transforms classic brownies into something unforgettable. With its creamy texture and bright lemon flavor, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in and share these tangy delights with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a tangy and creamy flavor profile. Featuring a soft, moist texture with a rich lemon cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for a refreshing dessert or a special treat that combines the sweetness of brownies with a citrusy zing.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened salted butter
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3–4 drops yellow food coloring
Icing
- Powdered sugar (amount not specified, approximately 1 cup recommended)
- Lemon juice (about 1-2 tablespoons to taste)
- Optional: Yellow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking the brownies.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with non-stick cooking spray, which will help with easy removal of the brownies once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and all-purpose flour, mixing them well to ensure even distribution.
- Add Butter and Cream Cheese: To the dry mixture, add the softened salted butter and softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth, indicating that all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring to the batter. Stir the mixture gently and thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined, producing a vibrant yellow batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely for about 30 minutes. Cooling is essential before adding the icing to prevent melting and sliding.
- Prepare and Add Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a smooth, pourable icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed. Pour the icing evenly over the cooled brownies and spread it out with a spatula.
- Optional Decoration: Sprinkle yellow sprinkles over the icing for added color and festive appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the brownies into 9 squares and serve, enjoying the delightful combination of lemon tang and creamy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- If you don’t have yellow food coloring, the lemon juice alone will provide a natural pale yellow tint.
- Adjust the lemon juice in the icing to suit your preferred level of tartness.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies out of the pan without breaking.
- For an extra moist texture, do not overbake; start checking at 18 minutes.
