Spring Picnic Brownies: The Easiest, Most Delicious Recipe

spring picnic brownies are the perfect treat to celebrate warmer weather and outdoor gatherings. These aren’t your average chocolate squares – they’re infused with bright, fresh flavors that evoke the essence of springtime. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie with a hint of lemon zest and a scattering of edible flowers. It’s pure picnic perfection!

I created these spring picnic brownies after a long winter, craving something light, yet comforting. Inspired by my grandmother’s lemon poppyseed cake, I wanted to capture that same cheerful energy in a portable treat. And what’s more portable than a brownie? These spring picnic brownies are guaranteed to be a hit at your next outdoor adventure.

Why You Will Love This spring picnic brownies Recipe

These spring picnic brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The bright lemon zest cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing.

The recipe is easily adaptable, so you can use your favorite type of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and add other seasonal touches like strawberries or blueberries. But the best part? You can bake these ahead of time and just grab them as you head to spend time outdoors.

Ingredients Needed for This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• For the Brownies:

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted * 1 cup granulated sugar * 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 large eggs * 1/2 cup all purpose flour * 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• For the Spring Picnic Twist:

* Zest of 1 lemon * 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional) * Edible flowers for garnish (optional)

How to Make This spring picnic brownies Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. The mixture should be smooth.
3. 3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined.
4. 4. Add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5. Gently fold in the lemon zest and white chocolate chips, if using.
6. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Tip: Watch the brownies carefully. Overbaking will make them dry, so check for doneness at the 25 minute mark.

1. 8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
2. 9. Garnish with edible flowers before serving, if desired.

How to Serve This spring picnic brownies Recipe

These spring picnic brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Arrange the brownies artfully on a platter with fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance. They also taste fantastic served with a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of lemonade. Consider taking them along with other items at your picnic like these Spring Picnic Shortbread recipes.

How to Store This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: You can enjoy the brownies straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Or, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly softened.
• Shelf Life: At room temperature, these brownies will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Tips to Make This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy free option. Dark chocolate chips can be used in place of white chocolate. For a nuttier flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Success Tips: Measure your ingredients carefully for best results. Don’t overbake the brownies, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the batter can result in tough brownies. Be sure to mix until just combined.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the brownies.

Helpful Notes for This spring picnic brownies Recipe

The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note to these brownies, but you can substitute it with other citrus zests, such as orange or lime. The edible flowers are optional, but they add a lovely visual touch that’s perfect for a spring picnic. Use a good quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the brownies.

Variation of This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• Seasonal Twists: In the summer, add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to the batter. In the fall, substitute pumpkin puree for some of the butter and add pumpkin spice.
• Optional Versions: For a fudgier brownie, use bittersweet chocolate. For a cakier brownie, increase the amount of flour.
• Creative Modifications: Top the brownies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Follow us on Pinterest to get more picnic recipe ideas! These spring picnic brownies are sure to be a picnic staple. You might also like to try my recipe for Spring Picnic Pudding which will also complement your picnic brownies.

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