Learn how to make easy, lemon brownies, inspired by the book “Ways to Make Sunshine” by Renee Watson.
Have you ever heard of lemon brownies? Me neither. But I was reading a book called Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson, (Read my book review on it here) and the main character, Ryan, talks about them. She loves creating interesting foods.
It’s a cute little story about a girl who makes the most of out life, even when things aren’t going her way.
Here’s are some quotes from the book:
“Mom says I’ll make a good chef one day because I am always experimenting and thinking up unique concoctions.” (pg. 26-27).
And here’s where she talks about these brownies:
“We tried out one of my recipe ideas-lemon brownies. Ray thought lemons and chocolate were not going to taste good together, but when he went back for seconds, I knew I had proved him wrong.” (Pg. 27)
Since she loves making different foods, I wondered if she’d make up this type of brownie. So, I did a Google search, and lo and behold! There are lots of recipes of lemon brownies! They’re like lemon bars but don’t have a crust.
But those aren’t exactly what Ryan came up with. She made chocolate brownies and lemon smushed together into one dessert. It’s completely different.
My quest for unforgettable lemon brownies
After searching, I stumbled upon a recipe online for lemon curd brownies by Neta Cooks and had to make them. I was a little hesitant at first. What if I spent all my time and ingredients making it, only to find that it was gross? Well, let me ease your mind, too. They were delicious!!! I ate them almost all myself in a week because my sister came down with Covid and lost her taste and smell. It wasn’t until there was literally one brownie left that she regained it.
But my sister didn’t like them. She doesn’t even like lemon bars or even lemon merengue pie, which are my absolute favorite desserts (after chocolate, of course)! If you’re a fan of those, then I highly suggest that you make these lemon curd brownies right away.
How to Make the Best Lemon Brownies
First things first, you make the lemon curd by mixing the eggs, egg yolk, sugar, lemon juice, and corn flour (or corn starch) in a saucepan.
Then you whisk it over low heat until thickened. As you can see in the next picture, it bubbled as it got hotter. Remember to keep it on low so you don’t cook the eggs!
I ran into a problem here, though. The mixture never thickened. I stirred it forever, but it was still very runny. I think the recipe could use another tablespoon of cornstarch, to be honest, to help thicken it properly. But oh, well. What’s done is done, right? Just keep this in mind when you make them.
I strained the curd to make sure there were no cooked eggs (not pictured). Any time I cook eggs over the stove, especially when making ice cream, I always strain it. One time my grandpa made ice cream and the eggs were scrambled, which made for some nasty, chewy bits. My cousins and I threw spoonfuls of it on the ground when he wasn’t looking to get rid of it!
After setting aside the lemon curd, then you make the brownies by melting butter in a saucepan on medium-low heat, and then adding semi-sweet chocolate chips, eggs, sugar, cocoa, and salt. Once that’s melted, fold in the flour.
You can see that I added the flour prematurely because in the recipe, the author forgot to add the chocolate in the instructions, so it threw me off course. It worked out in the end, though. Don’t worry…I edited her recipe so you won’t have the same trouble.
Next, pour the brownie batter in a square pan, lined with parchment paper. I greased mine with cooking spray to be extra careful.
Now you’re supposed to use a spoon to pour small heaps of lemon curd on top of the brownies. I tried to do that, but since my lemon curd was too runny, I just poured the entire curd on top. Then, using a knife or wooden skewer, swirl the batter until you get a pretty marbled look.
Bake for 20-30 minutes. Since mine wasn’t the right consistency, I baked mine for at least 45 minutes. They didn’t turn out gorgeous, by any means. But boy did they taste amazing!
Cut them into squares.
Just look at how ooey gooey they are! That’s my kind of dessert. 🙂
Where can I watch a video on how to make these lemon brownies?
Are you more of a visual learner? Here’s a helpful video on how to make it.
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp cornflour/corn starch (Add enough that it thickens the lemon curd. More may be needed.)
- 9 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon curd: Whisk egg, egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice and cornflour (corn starch) in a saucepan until smooth over low heat. Keep whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and let rest.
- Prepare the brownies: Preheat oven to 175°c (350°F). Line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) pan with parchment. In another saucepan over low heat, melt the 9 tbsp of butter. Add the eggs, sugar, and chocolate chips, and whisk together until melted. Add the cocoa powder, flour and salt and fold in using a spatula, until incorporated.
- Pour the brownie batter into the pan. Using a spoon, pour small heaps of lemon curd onto the brownie batter. With a wood skewer, swirl the batter for a marbled look.
- Bake for 20-30 min or till brownies begin to crust and crack, but still moist inside. Let cool and serve. Keep brownies in a closed container in the fridge for up to a week.
Give this wonderful concoction a try, and if you do, tag us on Instagram @theliteraryhavensisters and use the hashtag #theliteraryhavensisters and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to Pin it and share on all your social media!
Also, go read Ways to Make Sunshine and read my review.
Want more ideas from Ways to Make Sunshine? Check these out!
–Blackberry Lime Smoothie Extravaganza– They’re tasty and perfect for those hot, summer days!
–Peanut Butter and Jelly Kabobs– Similar to grilled kabobs, but kid-friendly!
–Suncatcher craft– This cheap craft will cheer you up on a rainy day, just like it did Ryan’s.
