If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich, creamy texture with bright, zesty flavor, then this Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These brownies combine the lusciousness of cream cheese with a lively burst of lemon, creating a tangy yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for a fresh twist on the classic brownie, this recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable bite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the softness of the butter and cream cheese to the zing of fresh lemon juice and the gentle sweetness of sugar, each element works together seamlessly.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies without making them dense.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the lemon’s tartness.
- 1 stick softened salted butter: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Gives the brownies a smooth, tangy base that sets them apart.
- 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the fudgy consistency.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Infuses the brownies with fresh, vibrant citrus flavor.
- 3–4 drops yellow food coloring: Optional, for that cheerful golden hue that matches the lemon taste.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Don’t forget to spray the sides with non-stick cooking spray so the brownies come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and flour. This ensures even distribution of sweetness and structure throughout your brownies. It’s a simple step, but don’t rush it—good mixing helps with the texture later!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Add the softened butter and cream cheese to your dry mixture, then beat them all together until creamy and smooth. This is where the magic starts, as the cream cheese adds that signature velvety touch to the batter.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Food Coloring
Next, crack in the eggs, pour in the fresh lemon juice, and add a few drops of yellow food coloring if you’re using it. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. The lemon juice brightens the batter and the food coloring gives it a beautiful, inviting look.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it for 20 minutes. Once baked, let the brownies cool for about 30 minutes. This waiting period is important because it allows the texture to set perfectly, making them easier to cut and enjoy.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle some homemade lemon icing over the brownies or dust a bit of powdered sugar for that classic look. For extra personality, sprinkle yellow sugar crystals or zest a bit of lemon peel right on top to add a fresh aroma and sparkling finish.
Side Dishes
Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies pair splendidly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries add a nice contrasting sweetness and vibrant color to your plate, making your dessert feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters or serving them layered with whipped mascarpone and lemon curd for an elegant mini dessert. They also make delightful additions to a dessert platter, especially when paired with other citrus-flavored treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate them for about a week, which also helps the flavors meld and intensify.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve their moist, creamy texture.
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring out the luscious cream cheese flavor and soften the texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, the texture and richness might be slightly less creamy. For the best indulgent results, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
Is yellow food coloring necessary?
No, the food coloring is optional. It just gives the brownies a vibrant yellow hue, but the delicious lemon flavor and creamy texture remain the star if you choose to skip it.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure the blend is a one-to-one substitute for best results.
How do I make the lemon icing mentioned?
Simply mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until you reach a drizzle-able consistency. Pour it over the cooled brownies for a sweet and tangy finish.
Can these brownies be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and vegan cream cheese. Note that the texture may vary slightly but the lemon flavor will shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe combines creamy richness with a burst of citrusy brightness. It’s a sweet treat that’s both comforting and refreshing, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert that everyone will rave about!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining a tangy lemon flavor with creamy cream cheese in a soft, moist texture. Perfect for those who love a zesty dessert with a smooth finish, these brownies feature a lemon-infused batter baked to perfection and topped with a lemon glaze for an added burst of citrusy sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3–4 drops yellow food coloring
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: yellow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease the sides using non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fats: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and flour. Add the softened butter and cream cheese, and beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring into the batter, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Make Icing: While the brownies cool, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Glaze Brownies: Pour the lemon icing over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle yellow sprinkles on top for extra decoration.
- Serve: Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the tangy, creamy goodness of your Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies!
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest levels based on your preference for tartness.
- You can replace yellow food coloring with natural turmeric or omit it entirely if preferred.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
