If you love a dessert that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. These blondies combine the rich, buttery goodness of classic blondies with the zing of fresh lemon and the juicy pop of strawberries, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, these blondies deliver a sunny, irresistible flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to making these irresistible Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe come to life. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly—the butter brings that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, lemons add a lively brightness, and strawberries provide juicy bursts of flavor and refreshing color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a creamy, rich base for the batter ensuring moist blondies.
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the blondies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds warmth.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Delivers a fragrant, citrusy punch that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh tartness that brightens the flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives these blondies their classic chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise gently for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and juicy bursts in every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking pan now by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper will ensure your blondies come out clean and easy to cut.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and light brown sugar until completely smooth and creamy—this little step is key for that perfect texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition for a smooth, well-combined mixture. Finally, stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, which will infuse the batter with that signature zesty brightness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout, helping your blondies to bake evenly with the right texture and flavor balance.
Step 4: Mix Batter
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together—over-mixing can lead to tougher blondies, so a gentle hand is best here. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries last; this preserves their juicy texture and prevents the batter from turning pink too early.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even rising. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is a luscious golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This balance keeps the blondies tender and perfectly moist.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Patience pays off here—let your blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This resting time allows them to set fully, making them easier to slice into neat squares that hold their shape yet stay wonderfully soft.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up these blondies, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top can amplify the flavors just before serving, creating a visually stunning and tasty finish.
Side Dishes
These blondies shine on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the tanginess. A steaming cup of tea or fresh lemonade makes an excellent beverage companion and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the blondies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. You could even sandwich two blondies with lemon-flavored cream cheese for a playful twist that will impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry lemon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness. If it’s warm or humid, refrigeration can help extend their shelf life, though it might slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
These blondies freeze wonderfully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen blondies can be stored for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy warm blondies, reheat individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire batch in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This revitalizes their gooey texture and enhances their luscious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, bottled lemon juice can suffice, but try to use a high-quality, pure lemon juice for the best flavor. The zest is especially important for that bright, fresh note.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?
Yes, but be mindful that gluten-free flours vary in their absorbency. Choose a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and consider adding a binding agent if your mix doesn’t include one to maintain the blondies’ texture.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and edges pulling slightly away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and complement the fruity and citrus flavors beautifully—just fold them in with the strawberries before baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is like welcoming a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. The harmony of lemon’s brightness with sweet strawberries and buttery blondie base is truly irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll reach for time and time again. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine the rich, buttery sweetness of classic blondies with a bright, fresh twist from zesty lemon and juicy strawberries. Perfect as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack, they offer a soft, moist texture with bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruits
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the blondies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and serve for a delicious, fruity treat.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are fresh and ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and moist.
- You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if needed, but fresh juice provides a brighter flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
