Lemon Citrus Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
02 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon zest
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, let it soften
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 3/4 cup sugar (the regular kind)
08 - 1 cup regular flour

→ Glaze

09 - 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Cut these into 9 even pieces, then dig in.
02 - Once the glaze is on, stick the brownies in the fridge for about 15 minutes till the topping firms up.
03 - Mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and some zest till you don't see any lumps.
04 - Let everything chill in the pan until it's not warm at all before adding any topping.
05 - Pour your batter in the lined pan and level it out. Pop it in the oven for 22 to 25 minutes. You want a toothpick to come out clean from the middle.
06 - Dump the flour and salt in and mix just until you can't see dry spots anymore. You don't want to stir much.
07 - Drop in the eggs, one after another. Mix it up after each. Now toss in the lemon juice, all the zest, and the splash of vanilla.
08 - With a mixer in a big bowl, whip up the softened butter and sugar till they're really fluffy and combined well.
09 - Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Put down parchment paper inside an 8x8 pan so nothing sticks.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest really brighten up the taste.
02 - Just bake until the middle isn't gooey. Overbaking dries them out.
03 - Keep bars in a sealed container at room temp for up to 3 days, or in the fridge if you want them to last longer.
04 - For extra citrus flavor, you can splash in a little lemon extract if you want things tangier.