These luscious bars are a wonderful twist on the classic blondie, incorporating vibrant lemon zest and juice that infuse each bite with bright flavor. The texture is incredibly soft and chewy, making them a treat for both lemon lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon zest, freshly grated
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until no streaks of flour remain.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the blondies are cooling, prepare the zesty glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.