Spring Picnic Brownies: The EASIEST Recipe EVER!

Spring picnic brownies: the perfect bite of spring sunshine, baked right into a fudgy square. These aren’t your average brownies; they’re bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, designed to be the star of your next outdoor gathering. From the first bite, you’ll taste the difference.

Growing up, my grandmother always packed brownies for our family picnics in the park. They were simple, chocolatey, and always brought a smile to everyone’s face. These spring picnic brownies are my modern take on that classic, elevated with seasonal ingredients like lemon zest and a hint of lavender. Let’s get baking!

Why You Will Love This spring picnic brownies Recipe

These spring picnic brownies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of the season. They’re incredibly moist and fudgy, offering the perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright citrus notes. The touch of lavender adds a subtle floral aroma that’s simply irresistible.

They’re also surprisingly easy to make! Even beginner bakers can whip up a batch of these brownies in under an hour. Plus, they’re perfectly portable, making them ideal for spring picnics, potlucks, or even a simple afternoon treat. I still remember the smiles after testing this recipe; one bite and everyone was transported.

And if that wasn’t enough, you can even add spring vegetables to your brownies by adapting our Spring Vegetable Brownies recipe. For another sweet treat to bring on your picnic, consider my Spring Picnic Lemon Cake 2 recipe which everyone raves about.

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

For the Spring Swirl:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender buds (optional)
• Yellow food coloring (optional, for a brighter swirl)

How to Make This spring picnic brownies Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
3. 3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. 4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lavender buds (if using) and mix until well combined. If desired, add a drop or two of yellow food coloring for a vibrant swirl.
6. 6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. 7. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. 8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
9. 9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve This spring picnic brownies Recipe

These spring picnic brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance the experience with a few simple serving suggestions. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness or top with fresh berries for a burst of fruity flavor.

Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a refreshing drink, try serving them with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water.

Follow us on Pinterest for even more delicious baking ideas!

How to Store This spring picnic brownies Recipe

To keep these spring picnic brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• For extra fudgy spring picnic brownies, use high quality cocoa powder.
• Don’t overbake the brownies, as this will make them dry.
• If you don’t have lavender buds, you can omit them or substitute with a different herb, like rosemary.
• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
• If you’re using a glass baking pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C).

Helpful Notes for This spring picnic brownies Recipe

• The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate. If you don’t have lemon zest, you can substitute with orange zest.
• The lavender buds add a subtle floral aroma that’s unique and delicious. However, a little goes a long way, so be sure to use them sparingly.
• The optional yellow food coloring helps to create a vibrant swirl, but it’s not necessary. If you prefer, you can leave it out.

Variation of This spring picnic brownies Recipe

Chocolate Chunk Variation: Fold in chopped chocolate chunks or chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking for an even richer chocolate experience. Nutty Variation: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Espresso Variation: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha flavor.

Conclusion

These spring picnic brownies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their fudgy texture, bright spring flavors, and easy preparation, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible spring picnic brownies! Don’t forget to try other picnic sweets like Spring Picnic Brownies 2 or Spring Picnic Lemon Cake 2! Now I can’t wait to see what you think of them in the comments!

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