There is something truly magical about bite-sized treats that blend sweetness with a zesty brightness, and this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe hits that perfect note every time. Imagine tender, buttery blondies packed with juicy bits of fresh strawberries, kissed by a tangy splash of fresh lemon juice, and topped with a luscious strawberry-lemon glaze that sets these bars apart from your run-of-the-mill dessert. Whether you’re craving a sunny snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these blondies bring all the freshness of spring and summer in a single, irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each element plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture that make these blondies so special. From creamy butter that ensures a soft crumb to bright lemon juice and fresh strawberries that make the recipe pop with vibrant flavor, every ingredient is essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Provides a rich, tender base and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps with browning for a lovely crust.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and gives structure to the blondies.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the flavor, cutting through the sweetness for a refreshing lift.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the blondies their chewy, dense texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Provides just a touch of rise for lightness without making the bars cakey.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: Adds juicy bursts of strawberry flavor and pretty red spots throughout the blondies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: Used to create the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the dish perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries): Infuses the glaze with intense strawberry flavor and lovely color.
- Lemon juice, as needed to thin the glaze: Makes the glaze silky-smooth and tangy, enhancing every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven is ready once your batter is mixed, so you get a perfect bake without any waiting. Next, carefully line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help you lift the blondies out easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb because it incorporates air, giving the blondies that heavenly soft texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Lemon Juice
Beat in the egg to bind the ingredients together, then pour in the fresh squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice is a star here, adding a lively zing that balances the sweet butter and sugar beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Mixing too much can make the blondies tough, so gentle folding is key to retaining a soft texture.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Strawberries and Bake
Gently fold in the diced strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed but not crushed. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then pop it into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
While the blondies bake and cool slightly, blend or puree about two large strawberries until smooth. Whisk the strawberry puree together with the sifted powdered sugar and just enough lemon juice to create a glaze that is thick but spreadable. This glaze isn’t just a pretty finish — it infuses every bite with extra juice and tartness that makes these blondies unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies, allowing it to set fully before slicing into bars. Waiting for the glaze to set might be tempting to skip, but the final texture is worth the patience.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few small fresh strawberry slices on top make a lovely, inviting touch that elevates presentation. A few finely grated lemon zest flakes can also add a pop of color and an aromatic hint that heightens the lemon flavor.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an even fresher complement, try serving with a side of mixed berry salad dressed lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice and mint leaves.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the blondies into smaller bite-size pieces for parties or arranging them on a platter with alternating slices of lemon and strawberry for stunning visual appeal. You could also drizzle some extra strawberry puree over each piece for a decadent finish that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry lemon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh. If it’s warmer weather, refrigeration is a safe bet to prevent spoilage, but be aware the fridge might make them a bit firmer.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they last up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy the strawberry lemon blondies warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop a few pieces in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe since they hold their shape and flavor during baking, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture affecting the blondies’ texture.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to keep the same texture and structure. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?
Lemon juice lends fresh acidity and moisture, so while you can add lemon extract for flavor, it’s best combined with at least some fresh lemon juice to maintain the right balance and texture.
How ripe should the strawberries be?
Choose fully ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color, but avoid overripe berries that can turn mushy and overly watery in the batter.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper really makes it easier to lift out the blondies cleanly without breaking, so it’s highly recommended if you can get it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a burst of sunshiney flavor to your dessert lineup, this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is truly a gem. It’s simple enough to make any day but impressive enough for a special occasion, with that unique tangy twist making each bite unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how magically fresh and delicious blondies can be.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Lemon Blondies, a perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries baked into a buttery, tender treat. Topped with a zesty strawberry-lemon glaze, these blondies offer a fresh and fruity twist on a classic dessert, ideal for any occasion or a sunny afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Strawberry Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
- Lemon juice, as needed to thin the glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the blondies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring the base is smooth.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated, creating a unified batter.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Beat in the fresh squeezed lemon juice thoroughly to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to distribute fruit evenly without breaking them down.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While blondies are baking or cooling, trim and puree fresh strawberries to yield strawberry puree.
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice, adjusting lemon juice to thin the glaze to your preferred consistency.
- Glaze Blondies: Once the blondies have completely cooled, spread the strawberry lemon glaze evenly over the top.
- Set and Slice: Allow the glaze to set before slicing the blondies into squares for serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for both the batter and glaze.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to reach desired thickness and tanginess.
- Ensure blondies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent melting or sliding of the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
