If you are on the hunt for a bright, delicious treat that perfectly balances fruity freshness with luscious richness, the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dessert. Imagine biting into a tender, buttery blondie dotted with juicy, sweet strawberries and uplifted by zesty lemon that adds just the right amount of tang. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to brighten up any occasion with its inviting colors and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh produce that come together to create a stunning combination of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role, from the rich butter that makes the blondies moist to the fresh strawberries and lemon that infuse vibrant brightness and freshness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, tender base and moist crumb for your blondies.
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the blondies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Act as binders that hold everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Delivers fresh citrus oils that brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a lively tang balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the foundation of the blondie texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just right for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness sing.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Burst of juicy, sweet fruit that packs a delightful texture and color contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is nice and hot the moment your batter is ready. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup later on.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. This step is key to creating that luscious, fudgy texture in the blondies. Next, add the eggs one by one, whisking thoroughly after each addition to incorporate lots of air, then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice for bursts of refreshing flavor throughout the batter.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these beforehand ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are spaced evenly throughout the blondies, helping them bake consistently and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in tough blondies. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries last, spreading their sweet juiciness throughout the dough without crushing them.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown surface with a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs—this ensures the blondies stay fudgy and tender but fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving
Allow your strawberry lemon blondies to cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing easier without the blondies crumbling apart. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top will add a delicate sweetness and make your dessert look irresistible. You can also add tiny lemon zest curls to hint at the vibrant citrus flavor inside.
Side Dishes
These blondies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can provide a gorgeous contrast of hot and cold, creamy and tender. A fresh berry salad or a citrusy fruit compote is another complementary side that echoes the bright flavors in the blondies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving your strawberry lemon blondies as bite-sized bars on a dessert platter alongside fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. Alternatively, stack two or three squares to create a mini blondie tower and drizzle with a raspberry or lemon glaze for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover strawberry lemon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out and losing that fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to three months frozen. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to bring back their full flavor and tenderness.
Reheating
To warm up leftover or thawed strawberry lemon blondies, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Warming them slightly makes the butter and fruit flavors come alive again, almost as if fresh baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture that could alter the blondie’s texture. Fresh strawberries usually give the best burst of flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for lemon juice if I don’t have fresh lemons?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best for brightness. Alternatively, a small amount of white vinegar mixed with water can add acidity, but it won’t quite replicate that true lemon flavor.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you could substitute a gluten-free flour blend with a 1:1 replacement ratio, keeping in mind texture might vary slightly.
Can I add nuts into the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a wonderful addition for crunch and contrast, adding even more texture and flavor to the blondies.
How do I know when Strawberry Lemon Blondies are perfectly baked?
Look for a golden brown top with edges slightly pulling away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, signaling the perfect balance of fudgy and baked through.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is like inviting sunshine into your kitchen. It’s a dessert that feels homemade yet special, simple yet sophisticated, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Whether for a casual snack, a party treat, or a cozy family dessert, these blondies are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe box. So go ahead and bake up a batch—you won’t regret it!
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic blondies with the fresh, tangy flavors of lemon and the sweetness of ripe strawberries. Perfectly balanced with the zest and juice of fresh lemon and juicy chopped strawberries, this dessert is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, ideal for spring and summer gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough blondies. Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without crushing.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into 12 squares and serve. These blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, use ripe, firm strawberries that are not overly juicy to prevent soggy blondies.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can be substituted but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
- You can line the pan with parchment paper with an overhang for easier removal of the blondies.
- Check the blondies at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking; they should be moist but fully cooked.
- These blondies can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
