Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies offer an irresistible twist to the classic brownie with their bright lemon flavor mixed with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. This dessert combines the zesty freshness of lemon and the indulgent creaminess of cream cheese to create a unique treat that's both tangy and sweet. Perfect for dessert aficionados seeking something a little different, these brownies are sure to brighten up any table. Let's dive into how you can create these delightful treats at home.

Ingredients:

 

• For the Brownies:
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 stick salted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3-4 drops yellow food coloring
• For the Icing:
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Yellow sprinkles (optional for garnish)

 

Preparation:

 

Step 1: Prep Work

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and the sides. Lightly spray the sides with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar and flour. This forms the dry base of your brownies, ensuring a well-structured texture.

Step 3: Adding Butter and Cream Cheese

Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the dry mix. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture until you achieve a creamy and smooth consistency. The cream cheese should be fully integrated with no lumps remaining.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

To the creamy mixture, add in the eggs, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring. Mix well until the batter is homogenous and brightly colored. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also reacts with the baking components for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a moist interior.

Step 6: Cooling and Icing

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if necessary.

Step 7: Decoration

Once the brownies have cooled, pour the lemon icing over the top, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. For a festive touch, sprinkle some yellow sprinkles over the icing before it sets.

Step 8: Serving

After the icing has set, cut the brownies into squares and serve. These are perfect as a refreshing end to a meal or a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon.

 

Cooking Note:

For a smoother icing, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the lemon juice to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these lemon cream cheese brownies on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Add lemon zest to the batter and icing for an extra zesty flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)

Nutritional Information (approximate):

• Calories: 300 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate brownie, offering a tangy, creamy, and utterly satisfying dessert experience. Whether you're serving them at a party, as a special treat for your family, or simply indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these brownies are sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy the burst of lemony freshness and the rich creaminess of cream cheese in every bite of these irresistible brownies.