If you have a hankering for something bright, sweet, and delightfully cakey, let me introduce you to the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. This dessert bar perfectly captures the sunny zest of lemons and the juicy pop of fresh strawberries within a buttery, soft blondie base. It’s a sweet slice of summer you can enjoy any time of year, offering a refreshing twist on classic blondies that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you dive into these tangy, fruity dessert bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to treat in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but absolutely essential, each playing a critical role in building the taste, texture, and vibrant color of your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. From butter to fresh fruit, every element combines to create a harmonious balance of richness and freshness.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup melted and slightly cooled: Provides a rich, tender crumb and helps blend flavors beautifully.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the blondies perfectly without overpowering the fruity notes.
- One large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
- Lemon zest, 1 tablespoon: Packs a punch of citrus aroma that brightens the entire dessert.
- Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Adds natural tartness and moisture to keep things lively.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle warmth.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The base that gives blondies their tender yet sturdy texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances depth.
- Fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup diced and patted dry: Brings bursts of fruitiness and bright red color to every bite.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup (for glaze): Creates a smooth sweetness to top the blondies.
- Fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (for glaze): Keeps the glaze zingy and refreshing.
- Milk or cream, 1–2 teaspoons (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to just the right thickness.
- Extra diced strawberries or lemon zest (optional toppings): For added visual appeal and flavor pop.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This ensures easy removal and clean edges—small steps that make baking stress-free and cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. This blending creates that gorgeous buttery sweetness you crave. Then add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until fully combined so all your flavors mesh perfectly and give each blondie its signature zing.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and salt just until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a tender, soft crumb with a little chewiness, not toughness. This step builds the blondie’s structure without sacrificing tenderness.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Fold in the diced strawberries carefully. They bring a juicy surprise in every bite, but remember to pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture, which could make the blondies soggy. This step adds both flavor and a lovely pop of color that makes these blondies visually irresistible.
Step 5: Bake Them to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is just set, with a toothpick coming out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This timing ensures your blondies stay soft and gooey inside—pure bliss in every bite.
Step 6: Add the Zesty Lemon Glaze
Once your blondies have cooled completely in the pan, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk or cream a little at a time until the glaze is thick but pourable. Drizzle or spread this glaze over your blondies, then top with extra strawberries or lemon zest if you like. Let the glaze set before slicing to keep everything neat and glossy.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Go beyond the classic glaze by sprinkling freshly diced strawberries or a scattering of lemon zest on top for that extra wow factor. These garnishes aren’t just pretty—they elevate the fruity and citrus flavors in every mouthful, making your dessert look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Lemon Blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent contrast. A light herbal tea or sparkling lemonade works wonderfully to refresh the palate between bites, making the experience feel like a sunny afternoon picnic no matter where you enjoy them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your blondies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and lemon wedges for a charming dessert buffet. Or, sandwich them around layers of lemon cream for a mini blondie cake. These playful presentations make your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This simple step helps them retain their soft texture and bright flavors so you can savor every last crumb without worrying about drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe later, these freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy a fresh-tasting treat anytime.
Reheating
To warm frozen or refrigerated blondies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This gently revives their soft, buttery texture without drying them out. Be sure to avoid overheating so they stay perfectly moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly pat them dry to avoid extra moisture affecting the batter consistency.
How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?
For a bolder lemon punch in your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter or increase the lemon zest slightly. Just be careful not to go overboard so the tartness remains balanced.
Are these blondies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is fully vegetarian-friendly, using no animal-derived ingredients besides eggs and dairy, which are common in vegetarian baking.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same quantity to make these blondies gluten-free. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
What’s the best way to cut the blondies without crumbling?
Wait until the glaze is completely set and the blondies are fully cooled, then use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and dried. This helps you achieve clean cuts with minimal crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. Simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion. Once you try these luscious blitzes of lemon and strawberry, I guarantee they will be a new favorite to bake over and over again. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this truly special dessert experience!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful fruity dessert bar combining tangy lemon zest and juice with fresh strawberries in a moist, buttery blondie base. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze and optional fresh strawberry or lemon zest garnish, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors ideal for summer gatherings or anytime a refreshing treat is desired.
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries (patted dry with paper towel)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
- Extra diced strawberries or lemon zest (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt just until no streaks remain in the batter—be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the blondies. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring even distribution without breaking them down.
- Bake the blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely: Remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set properly for glazing.
- Prepare lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. Add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency suitable for drizzling.
- Glaze and garnish: Drizzle or spread the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Optionally, top with extra diced strawberries or lemon zest for added freshness and visual appeal. Let the glaze set before slicing the blondies into 9 squares.
Notes
- Pat strawberries dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect texture.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
