Welcome to a dessert experience that perfectly captures the essence of sunshine in a single bite! If you’re searching for a treat that is both sweet and tangy, chewy and soft, then you have certainly come to the right place. These incredible Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the answer to your dessert dreams. In fact, they blend the rich, buttery goodness of a classic blondie with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries. This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet it delivers a truly impressive result that is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a potluck showstopper. Consequently, you will find yourself making these delicious bars again and again.
Throughout this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know. For instance, we will cover the essential ingredients that make these blondies so special. In addition, we will provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your baking success. We will also share some expert tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your liking. Therefore, get ready to preheat your oven and prepare for a flavor combination that is simply unforgettable. Let’s bake some amazing Strawberry Lemon Blondies together!
Why You’ll Love These Amazing Strawberry Lemon Blondies
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor profile is absolutely unbeatable. The sweetness of the brown sugar base is perfectly balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice and zest. Then, you get these delightful pockets of juicy, baked strawberries scattered throughout. This combination creates a refreshing taste that is never overly sweet. As a result, it is a perfect dessert for warmer weather, but honestly, it’s a fantastic treat any time of year.
Another key point is the texture. Unlike a cakey brownie, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies have a wonderfully dense and chewy texture that is incredibly satisfying. The edges get slightly crisp and caramelized while the center remains soft and fudgy. This contrast in texture makes every bite a delightful experience. Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. You don’t need any special equipment or complicated techniques. A couple of bowls and a whisk are all it takes to bring the batter together, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your homemade treats. For those who enjoy easy yet decadent desserts, you might also love this recipe for decadent chocolate banana bread.
Finally, these blondies are visually stunning. The pale golden surface is dotted with vibrant red from the strawberries and drizzled with a beautiful white lemon glaze. They look as good as they taste, making them a fantastic option for sharing with friends and family. Whether you bring them to a party, a picnic, or a family gathering, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies are guaranteed to get rave reviews.
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Most Amazing Treat
Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly chewy, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine buttery brown sugar richness with fresh strawberries and bright lemon glaze for the ultimate sunshine-inspired dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, distributing them evenly.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Allow blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
12. Add milk or cream a little at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzle consistency.
13. Lift cooled blondies from the pan using parchment overhang.
14. Drizzle lemon glaze evenly over the top.
15. Let glaze set for 15 minutes, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
If using frozen strawberries, add them directly from frozen and toss lightly in flour first.
For extra decadence, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup white chocolate chips.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze unglazed blondies tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blondies
To create the best possible Strawberry Lemon Blondies, it is important to start with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Below, we’ve broken down what you’ll need for both the blondie base and the zesty lemon glaze.
For the Blondies
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the main structure for the blondies. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Unsalted Butter: Using melted butter is key to achieving that signature chewy, dense texture that makes blondies so irresistible.
- Light Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor that is characteristic of a classic blondie.
- Granulated Sugar: A little white sugar helps balance the sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness to the batter.
- Lemon: You will need both the zest and juice of a fresh lemon. The zest provides a powerful, aromatic lemon flavor, while the juice adds a bright, tangy kick.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the recipe, adding warmth and depth.
- Baking Powder: This gives the blondies just a little bit of lift, preventing them from being too dense.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the complex flavors.
- Fresh Strawberries: Diced fresh strawberries are the star of the show. They release their sweet juices as they bake, creating beautiful pockets of flavor. Strawberries are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, according to Healthline, making this a slightly healthier indulgence.
For the Lemon Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: This dissolves easily to create a smooth, sweet glaze without any graininess.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice thins the powdered sugar and provides a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the blondies.
- Milk or Cream: Just a small amount is needed to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow these simple steps carefully to ensure your Strawberry Lemon Blondies turn out perfectly every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the blondies out of the pan later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they are well combined. Subsequently, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s very important not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough blondies.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the diced strawberries into the batter. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Then, use your spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Allow the Strawberry Lemon Blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step; cutting them while they are still warm will cause them to fall apart.
- Make the Glaze: While the blondies are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. Add milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the blondies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Finally, let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Want to take your Strawberry Lemon Blondies from great to absolutely exceptional? Here are a few expert tips and fun variations to try.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a chewy blondie is to slightly underbake it. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and pull them out as soon as the toothpick test shows moist crumbs. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature before mixing helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture.
- Add White Chocolate: For an extra layer of decadence, consider folding in about a cup of white chocolate chips along with the strawberries. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart lemon and sweet berries. This is a great tip for many fruit-based desserts, including our popular strawberry white chocolate cookies.
- Try Other Berries: While strawberries are fantastic, this recipe is also delicious with other berries. Raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped blackberries would work wonderfully. You could even try a mix of berries for a different flavor experience. If you enjoy the combination of lemon and berries, you’ll adore this lemon blueberry delight cake.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture. If you must use frozen, do not thaw them first. Instead, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from making the blondies soggy.
- Boost the Lemon Flavor: If you are a true lemon lover, feel free to add a little extra zest to the batter or a drop of lemon extract to the glaze. For more information on the health benefits of lemons, you can visit WebMD.
Storing and Freezing Your Blondies
Proper storage is essential to keep your Strawberry Lemon Blondies fresh and delicious. Once they have been cut, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Because of the fresh fruit, they will last a bit longer if stored in the refrigerator, up to five days. Note that refrigeration can make them a bit firmer, so you might want to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Furthermore, these blondies freeze exceptionally well. To freeze them, it is best to do so before adding the glaze. First, wrap the entire cooled slab tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can cut them into individual squares and wrap each one separately. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature on the counter. After they have thawed completely, you can then whip up a fresh batch of glaze to drizzle over the top before serving.
Conclusion
In summary, this Strawberry Lemon Blondies recipe is a true gem that delivers on every level. It offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors wrapped up in an irresistibly chewy package. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also simple to make, requiring minimal effort for a truly impressive result. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you are well on your way to baking a batch of the best blondies you have ever tasted. Therefore, we encourage you to give this wonderful recipe a try. These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed juice has a much brighter and more vibrant taste that makes a significant difference in both the blondies and the glaze. Additionally, you will need a fresh lemon for the zest, which is essential for that deep lemon aroma.
Why did my blondies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
A cakey texture in blondies is usually the result of two things: overmixing the batter or overbaking. When you overmix the batter after adding the flour, it develops too much gluten, leading to a tougher, more cake-like crumb. Similarly, leaving them in the oven for too long will dry them out and remove that desirable chewiness. Be sure to mix only until the flour is just combined and pull them from the oven when a toothpick still has moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. To do so, simply double all the ingredients and bake the batter in a 9×13 inch baking pan. You will likely need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them and perform the toothpick test to check for doneness.
