Description
Delight in these luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies featuring a tangy lemon brownie base layered with a smooth cream cheese swirl. Perfectly sweet and zesty, these bars offer a refreshing twist on classic brownies, ideal for citrus lovers looking for a bright and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Brownie Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make lemon brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour batter and reserve: Pour the lemon brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the batter to be used later for topping.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Layer cream cheese mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lemon brownie batter in the pan, creating a smooth layer.
- Top with reserved batter and swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of the reserved lemon batter over the cream cheese layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn lightly golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 9 squares and serve. For best texture and flavor, chill before serving.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to either the lemon brownie batter or the cream cheese layer.
- Chilling the brownies before serving enhances firmness and brightens the citrus flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can line the pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang for easy removal of the whole slab for neater slicing.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
