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Lemon White Chocolate Brownies with Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 13 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