Strawberry Lemon Blondies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings sunshine to your table, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are just the treat! These lovely bars combine the sweetness of strawberries with a zesty lemon kick, creating a flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these blondies are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is. You can whip up these Strawberry Lemon Blondies in no time, making them an easy go-to for gatherings and celebrations alike. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious blondies in under an hour!
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s Easter brunch or a Mother’s Day treat, these bars are an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Bright flavors: The combination of strawberries and lemon gives each bite a burst of freshness that’s oh-so-satisfying.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat—there’s something for everyone!
• Make ahead convenience: Bake them in advance and enjoy later; they stay fresh and tasty for days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies is so much fun because they’re all simple and wholesome! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

For the Blondies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (measure out your sugar before sifting)
• 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (you’ll need about 2 large strawberries; instructions below)
• lemon juice (about 1 Tbsp or just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up according to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch!
• Use different fruits: Try peaches or blueberries if you want to mix things up.
• Make it chocolatey: Add some white chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.
• Change the glaze: Swap out the strawberry puree for raspberry or blueberry puree for a new flavor experience.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your blondies bake evenly from the moment they go in. A warm oven also helps achieve that lovely golden edge we all love!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. This little trick makes lifting out your blondies super easy once they’re cooled—no sticky mess!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your blondies that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once fluffy, beat in the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice

Next, stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fully mix in right away; that tangy flavor will still shine through as they bake!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until no dry flour remains. Mixing thoroughly here ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula. Take your time spreading this thick dough into the prepared pan—it helps prevent tearing those beautiful berries apart!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your blondies for about 30-35 minutes. They should be turning golden around the edges while remaining set in the center. Remember not to over-bake them; we want soft, chewy goodness here! Let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While your blondies cool down, prepare the glaze! Trim two large strawberries and puree them in a food processor. Strain this puree through a small strainer until you gather about 1 tablespoon. Whisk together this puree with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth!

Step 9: Glaze and Slice

Once your blondies are completely cooled, spread that luscious glaze over them! Allow it to set before slicing into squares. Enjoy every delicious bite of these Strawberry Lemon Blondies—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Making Strawberry Lemon Blondies is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and egg are at room temperature helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a fluffy batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t over-mix the flour: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. Over-mixing can lead to denser blondies rather than the desired light and chewy texture.
• Be gentle with strawberries: When folding in the diced strawberries, do it gently to avoid breaking them down too much. This will keep bigger pieces of strawberry intact for bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your blondies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. This ensures they stay moist and don’t dry out.
• Cool completely before glazing: Letting the blondies cool completely allows the glaze to set nicely without melting into the warm bars, creating a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are not just delicious; they’re also a treat for the eyes! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of mint leaves on top can add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
• Zest of lemon: Sprinkling some fresh lemon zest on top enhances the lemony flavor while giving a vibrant look.
• Sliced strawberries: Placing a few fresh strawberry slices on each serving adds visual appeal and emphasizes the fruity goodness within.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla coconut ice cream: A scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream creates a creamy contrast to the sweet tartness of the blondies, making for an indulgent dessert.
• Mixed berry salad: A light mixed berry salad provides a refreshing balance to rich blondies, enhancing their fruity notes while adding freshness.
• Lemon sorbet: The bright citrus flavor of lemon sorbet complements the blondies perfectly and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and airy whipped coconut cream is a delicious dairy-free alternative that adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Enjoy your beautifully presented Strawberry Lemon Blondies with these delightful garnishes and sides—they’re sure to make any gathering extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are fantastic for meal prep! They can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever you like. Here’s how to store them and keep their deliciousness intact!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to a week.
• Make sure the glaze is fully set before storing to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Cut the blondies into squares before freezing for convenient portions.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your blondies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350F for about 5 minutes, just until they’re heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Lemon Blondies:

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones will work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.

How do I ensure my Strawberry Lemon Blondies come out perfectly?

To get the best results with your Strawberry Lemon Blondies, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour, and avoid over-baking them. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and remove them when they’re just turning golden around the edges!

What makes these Strawberry Lemon Blondies special?

The combination of strawberries and lemon gives these blondies a refreshing flavor that’s sure to brighten your day! Their soft texture paired with a sweet glaze creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Lemon Blondies as much as I do! They bring together bright flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or dessert for a gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delightful creations with friends and family!