Lemon White Chocolate Brownies with Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These lemon brownies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the rich texture of traditional brownies with fresh, zesty lemon flavor. Topped with a creamy lemon frosting, they are perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy in their desserts.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-3 tablespoons lemon juice (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the butter using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon zest until the sugar is well coated. Add this mixture to the creamed butter and blend together thoroughly. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, fully mixing in each before adding the next.
4. Step 4: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in the microwave carefully by heating for 20 seconds at first, then in 10-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Add the melted white chocolate to the butter mixture and blend well. Stir in 3 tablespoons lemon juice and mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Whisk the salt into the flour, then gradually add the flour to the wet mixture. Stir until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 25 minutes; if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking. Let the brownies cool completely.
8. Step 8: While the brownies cool, prepare the topping. Soften the cream cheese in a small bowl using a hand mixer. Add the powdered sugar, 1 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, then blend until smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the surface. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter along with the vanilla.
• If white chocolate is not preferred, try substituting with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different taste.
• Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the topping to prevent it from melting.
• Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to get the brightest flavor.

Storage

Store the lemon brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese topping fresh. Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer texture. These brownies do not freeze well due to the cream cheese topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness, but frozen lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and well mixed before adding.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies around the minimum baking time. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.

Lemon White Chocolate Brownies with Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the rich, creamy texture of brownies with a bright, zesty lemon flavor. The addition of white chocolate chips melted into the batter adds a smooth sweetness while the creamy lemon-cream cheese topping perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. This recipe yields moist, luscious brownies topped with a tangy frosting, ideal for spring or summer dessert lovers seeking a fresh citrus dessert.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-38 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Cream Cheese Topping

• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Cream Butter: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the brownies.
3. Mince Lemon Sugar and Combine: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and lemon zest to infuse the sugar with citrus flavor. Add this mixture to the creamed butter and mix thoroughly. Then incorporate vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next to achieve a smooth batter.
4. Melt White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, then continue with 10-second intervals until melted completely. Be careful not to overheat to avoid seizing.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted white chocolate into the butter and sugar mixture and blend well. Add the lemon juice and mix until everything is incorporated evenly.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk the salt into the all-purpose flour, then gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour in just until combined to prevent overmixing and maintain brownie tenderness.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-38 minutes. Begin checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent the pan with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking. Once done, remove and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
8. Prepare Topping: While brownies cool, use a hand mixer to soften the cream cheese in a small bowl. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
9. Frost and Chill: Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese topping evenly over the surface. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the topping before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened before creaming for a smooth batter.
• Do not overheat the white chocolate to prevent it from burning or seizing.
• Check the brownies early to avoid overbaking; moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfect doneness.
• The lemon juice amount in the topping can be adjusted to taste for more or less tartness.
• Chilling the brownies after frosting enhances the flavor and texture.
• Use fresh lemons for the best zest and juice flavor.

Keywords: lemon brownies, lemon dessert, white chocolate brownies, lemon cream cheese frosting, citrus brownies, lemon zest dessert