Chewy Lemon Blondies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - Zest of 2 lemons - ½ cup fresh lemon juice - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup white chocolate chips - ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil. This will change the flavor a bit, but it works. If you want to cut sugar, use maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that you might need less liquid in your mix. For eggs, a banana or applesauce can work well. Use ¼ cup of either for each egg. This will make your blondies moist and tasty. Fresh lemon juice has a bright, lively flavor. It gives your blondies a zesty kick. Bottled lemon juice is convenient but lacks intensity. I recommend using fresh juice and zest for the best taste. When you can, always choose fresh lemons for your baking. They truly make a difference in your dish. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your blondies bake evenly. While the oven heats, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Next, mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Don’t forget to add the zest of 2 lemons and ½ cup of fresh lemon juice. This gives your blondies a bright, zesty flavor! Now, let’s combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures that your blondies rise well. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Do this gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your blondies may become tough. After that, fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and, if you like, ½ cup of chopped pecans. This adds a nice crunch! Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn lightly browned. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer the blondies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy your delicious chewy lemon blondies! For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients and instructions provided. To get the best chewy texture, watch out for signs of overmixing. Overmixing can make your blondies tough. Mix only until the dry ingredients combine with the wet ingredients. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy. Cooling time is also key. Let the blondies cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. This helps them set properly. If you cut them too early, they may crumble. You can boost the flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract. It works well with lemon. You may also add extra lemon zest for a stronger citrus taste. Consider pairing your blondies with toppings. A simple lemon glaze can make them even more delightful. You can also serve them with whipped cream or fresh berries for a fun twist. For baking, a 9x13 inch baking dish works best. This size gives the blondies even thickness. You can also use glass, metal, or ceramic, but adjust the baking time as needed. Essential tools for this recipe include a whisk for mixing and a rubber spatula for folding. A toothpick is great to test for doneness. Always prepare your baking dish by greasing it or using parchment paper. This step makes it easier to remove the blondies later. Try this simple yet rewarding recipe for chewy lemon blondies. You’ll love the bright taste and texture! For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your chewy lemon blondies. Adding other citrus fruits like lime or orange gives a new twist. Simply replace some lemon juice and zest with your chosen fruit. This adds a unique taste while keeping it bright and tangy. You can also play with spices. A pinch of cinnamon or ginger can warm up the flavor. Try adding cardamom for an exotic touch. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Want a gluten-free option? You can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the blondies chewy and delicious without the gluten. If you follow a vegan diet, you can replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use this mix in place of each egg for a perfect vegan blondie. Mix-ins can take your blondies to the next level. You can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. Each type adds its own special flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots also make great additions. They add a chewy texture and a bit of sweetness. Nuts like walnuts or almonds can bring in a nice crunch. Choose what you love to make your blondies even more fun. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep your chewy lemon blondies fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can also use foil or plastic wrap if you don't have one. Blondies can stay at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge. They will last for about a week in the fridge. Just remember, cold blondies might lose some of their soft texture. You can freeze chewy lemon blondies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, take out the blondies and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, you can leave them at room temperature for a few hours. In the fridge, chewy lemon blondies last about seven days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see mold, or if they smell off, it’s best to toss them. Fresh blondies should have a soft and chewy texture. If they become dry or hard, they may not taste as good. Enjoy your blondies while they’re still fresh for the best flavor! Chewy lemon blondies are a sweet treat that blend rich, buttery flavors with bright lemon zest. They are soft and chewy, much like a brownie but with a sunny lemon twist. The blondies feature white chocolate chips that add a sweet touch. The lemon juice brings a refreshing zing, making each bite delightful. Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two before serving. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave. Absolutely! You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Brown sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar if you prefer. For egg replacements, try using applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water. These changes will still give you tasty blondies. To check if your blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. The edges should look slightly golden, while the center remains soft. Avoid overbaking; you want them chewy, not dry. You now have a clear roadmap for making delicious Chewy Lemon Blondies. We covered ingredients, including swaps for butter and sugar. Fresh lemon juice truly shines over bottled options. Step-by-step, you learned to mix, bake, and enhance these treats. Remember, texture is key, and don’t skip cooling time! Feel free to experiment with flavors and mix-ins. Lastly, store wisely to keep them fresh and tasty. With this guide, you can whip up a batch that delights every time. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the delight of Chewy Lemon Blondies with this easy recipe! Packed with zesty lemon flavor and smooth white chocolate, these dessert bars are perfect for any occasion. Just mix melted butter, brown sugar, and fresh lemon juice, then bake to golden perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, they're a sweet treat that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and brighten your dessert table!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Zest of 2 lemons

½ cup fresh lemon juice

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup white chocolate chips

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until it’s smooth and well combined.

Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice, ensuring a zesty flavor throughout the batter.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and pecans if using, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 squares