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
Scale
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.
