There is nothing quite as bright and delightful as these Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe that perfectly blend the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries with the zesty zing of lemon. This dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser, boasting a tender, buttery crumb punctuated by bursts of fruity freshness and finished with a luscious strawberry-lemon glaze. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or a cozy afternoon tea, these blondies are a heavenly treat that brings a spark of sunshine to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect balance of moistness, tanginess, and sweetness while adding beautiful colors and textures to this scrumptious bake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the citrus and strawberries.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the biscuit-like texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: Gives a fresh, natural zing that brightens the flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the blondies without overpowering their softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise to a light, tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: Adds juicy bursts and a hit of natural sweetness throughout the blondies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted: For the silky smooth glaze that seals in flavor and adds sweetness on top.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry puree: Concentrates the strawberry flavor in the glaze for an irresistible finish.
- Lemon juice, as needed: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by lining a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your blondies will lift out easily after baking without any sticking, making your life a whole lot easier when it comes time to slice.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that blondie lovers crave. Once your butter and sugar are perfectly combined, beat in the large egg to add moisture and structure.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice
Pour in the fresh squeezed lemon juice and mix until fully incorporated. This little burst of citrus juice adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness, creating a beautifully balanced base batter ready for some powdery additions.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is essential to give your blondies that classic soft but structured bite. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined to keep that tender crumb intact.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Strawberries and Bake
Fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter carefully to avoid smashing them, ensuring juicy strawberry pockets throughout. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and slide it into the oven to bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The blondies will develop a golden top and a springy touch when done.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
While the blondies are baking, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the lemon juice little by little until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. This finishing touch will give your blondies that delightful glossy appearance and a burst of vibrant flavor.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Once the blondies have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the strawberry lemon glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing to keep the cuts clean and the flavors sealed in. This final step is what makes this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a few mint leaves for a pop of color. This not only makes your blondies look bakery-worthy but enhances the fresh fruity notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combo that complements the citrus and berry flavors. If you prefer drinks, a cup of lightly brewed green tea or a bright, citrusy lemonade can round out your dessert experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful with presentation by serving individual blondie squares in mini dessert cups, layered with strawberry compote and whipped cream for a parfait-style treat. Alternatively, arrange the blondies on a decorative plate surrounded by whole strawberries and lemon wedges for a cheerful and inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and maintains the perfect balance of flavors and textures you worked so hard to create.
Freezing
If you want to save your blondies longer, freeze them after cutting into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
To enjoy warm blondies, simply microwave individual squares for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes until gently warmed. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven charm and intensifies the strawberry lemon aroma each time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for maintaining texture and flavor bursts, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture from making the blondies soggy.
How tart are these blondies with the lemon juice?
The lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing tang that balances the sweetness but doesn’t overpower it. Think of it as a subtle lift that enhances the overall flavor without being intensely sour.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the delicious strawberry and lemon flavors will shine just as brightly.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a wonderful finish of sweetness and tartness and makes the blondies look irresistible, but if you prefer a simpler treat, you can skip it. The blondies themselves are still fantastic without it.
What’s the best way to cut these blondies cleanly?
Wait until the glaze is set completely and the blondies are at room temperature. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This technique helps create neat edges without cracking the glaze or crumbling the blondies.
Final Thoughts
There truly is something special about this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe that brings smiles and brightens any table. The combination of fresh fruit, zesty lemon, and buttery goodness is simply irresistible and sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So don’t hesitate—bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy the sunny joy these blondies deliver bite after bite.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, combining the fresh tartness of lemon juice with the natural sweetness of diced strawberries. Topped with a luscious strawberry glaze, they offer a perfect balance of fruity flavors and a moist, chewy texture, making them an ideal treat for spring and summer gatherings.
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
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the blondies don’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step helps create a tender texture.
- Add the egg and lemon juice: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the fresh squeezed lemon juice to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in strawberries and bake: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the blondies are baking, whisk the powdered sugar together with the strawberry puree and enough lemon juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency for the glaze.
- Glaze and set: Once the blondies have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the strawberry lemon glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing into 12 servings.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better batter texture.
- Diced strawberries should be fresh and well-drained to prevent extra moisture in the batter.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen, but thaw and drain well before use.
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
