Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts zesty, sweet, and blissfully soft, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a thick, chewy blondie infused with bright lemon flavor and studded with juicy strawberries — it’s the kind of dessert that brings a little sunshine to any day. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a party, or just a cozy afternoon, these bars are impossible to resist and always spark joy. Let’s dive into what makes these Strawberry Lemon Blondies so special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Lemon Blondies lies in their simplicity — just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the brightness of the lemon and the fruity pop of strawberries.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Provides richness and a tender, chewy texture as the base of the blondies.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the bars and helps create that irresistible soft crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure for a perfectly set blondie.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a bold, tangy freshness that balances the sweetness.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs in fragrant citrus oils, intensifying the lemon flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Forms the body of the bars, and the extra tablespoon is used to coat the strawberries so they don’t sink.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the blondies a gentle lift without making them cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Fresh strawberries, diced (1 cup): The star ingredient, adding bursts of juiciness and gorgeous color throughout every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing — this step will make it so much easier to lift the blondies out later. Measure out all your ingredients before you begin, so everything is ready when you need it.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is well blended and fragrant — you’ll start to smell that incredible citrus aroma right away!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (reserve 1 tablespoon for the strawberries), baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, so every bite of your Strawberry Lemon Blondies bakes up just right.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries
Toss your diced strawberries with that reserved tablespoon of flour. This little trick helps keep the berries from sinking to the bottom of the bars while baking. Gently fold the strawberries into your batter, being careful not to crush them so you get those beautiful pops of color throughout.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Give your Strawberry Lemon Blondies plenty of time to cool completely before slicing — this makes for neater, cleaner squares and the perfect texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates these bars, but you can take things even further with a drizzle of tangy lemon glaze or a few fresh strawberry slices on top. The brightness of the lemon and the flash of red from the fruit make your Strawberry Lemon Blondies look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat. If you’re serving them at a gathering, a platter of fresh berries or a pitcher of lemonade is the perfect complement, keeping the vibe light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Strawberry Lemon Blondies into triangles or bite-sized squares for a fun dessert platter. For special occasions, layer them in jars with whipped cream and extra berries for a portable parfait, or serve them alongside a medley of other fruity bars for a summery dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Lemon Blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and moist for up to five days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeks or spontaneous get-togethers.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer your blondies warm, just pop a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and makes the strawberries extra juicy — perfect for pairing with a cold scoop of ice cream!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before dicing and tossing with flour. This helps prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
How do I get a more intense lemon flavor?
For extra lemony zing, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter or increase the amount of lemon zest. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled bars for a burst of citrus on top.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness starting at 30 minutes — the blondies may need a few extra minutes, depending on your oven.
Why do I need to coat the strawberries in flour?
Coating the diced strawberries in flour helps suspend them in the batter so they don’t sink to the bottom while baking. This keeps the fruit evenly distributed throughout each bar, ensuring every bite is bursting with strawberry flavor.
Do Strawberry Lemon Blondies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the fresh fruit, it’s best to store these blondies in the fridge to keep them moist and safe to eat. They taste great cold, but you can also let them come to room temperature if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and lemon — and these Strawberry Lemon Blondies truly capture that magic in every bite. I hope you’ll give them a try and share them with the people you love; they’re the kind of treat that never fails to brighten a day!
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Lemon Blondies, a perfect blend of zesty lemon and fresh strawberries baked into soft, buttery bars. This easy-to-make dessert is bursting with fruity flavors and a subtle tang that makes it an ideal treat for any occasion, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating strawberries)
Fruit
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to dense blondies.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the diced fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Fold Strawberries Into Batter: Gently fold the coated strawberries into the batter ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- Store these blondies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Optionally, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
