If you are craving a dessert that perfectly blends sweet and tangy flavors, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are exactly what you need. These delightful bars combine the luscious juiciness of fresh strawberries with the bright zest of lemon, creating a unique and irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a snack that excites your taste buds, Strawberry Lemon Blondies offer a delightful twist on traditional blondies that every dessert lover will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing flavor: The combination of strawberry and lemon creates a vibrant taste that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Perfectly moist texture: These blondies stay tender and soft, balancing chewiness with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and fresh produce, it’s easy to get started without a complicated shopping list.
- Versatile dessert option: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or afternoon tea, these blondies are sure to impress any crowd.
- Eye-catching appearance: The natural pink hue from strawberries and lemon zest adds a beautiful touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Lemon Blondies lies in their straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to add flavor, texture, or color to this delectable dessert. From the tart lemon juice to the juicy strawberries, every component plays a vital role.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the blondies, ensuring they hold together with a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that perfect golden color.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the blondies decadent and soft.
- Fresh strawberries: Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color that define this recipe.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brings a bright, citrusy tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moist texture.
- Baking powder: Helps with a slight rise, keeping the blondies light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt: A pinch of salt intensifies both sweetness and citrus notes.
Variations for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
One of the best things about Strawberry Lemon Blondies is how easy they are to tweak to your liking. Whether adjusting for dietary needs or adding your own personal touch, these variations keep things exciting and customizable.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- White chocolate chips: Add a handful to the batter for extra sweetness and creamy texture contrasts.
- Almond extract: Swap or combine with vanilla extract to introduce a subtle nutty flavor.
- Vegan option: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter and eggs for a plant-based spin.
- Berry mix: Replace strawberries or combine with blueberries or raspberries for a fuller berry experience.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Wash and dice fresh strawberries, then zest and juice your lemons, keeping everything ready for mixing.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk in granulated sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest for that signature tangy freshness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing and maintain tender blondies.
Step 4: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold diced strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much to keep bursts of fruity flavor within every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack; this helps them set for clean slices. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy the beautiful balance of strawberry and lemon in every piece.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh zest and juice provide the brightest flavor compared to bottled lemon products.
- Don’t overmix: Stir batter until just combined to avoid dense blondies and keep them tender.
- Gently fold strawberries: This preserves their shape and prevents the batter from turning too pink or watery.
- Test for doneness early: Ovens vary—start checking five minutes before the timer to prevent overbaking.
- Let cool fully: Blondies firm up as they cool, making slicing easier and keeping the texture perfect.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Garnishes
Top your blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze to enhance their sweet and tangy notes. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest add a colorful, fresh finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair Strawberry Lemon Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their sweet and tart flavors, making dessert feel extra special and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for parties or afternoon tea. You can also stack them with layers of fresh strawberries and lemon curd for an elegant layered dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moistness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the blondies warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for about 5 minutes, bringing back their soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Lemon Blondies?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these blondies more tart?
Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice slightly, but be careful not to add too much liquid, which could affect the baking process.
Are Strawberry Lemon Blondies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Their sweet but mild tangy flavor profile makes them a favorite among children and adults alike.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but you can replace it with a neutral oil like canola, though the blondies may be a bit less rich.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking in the batter?
Lightly toss the diced strawberries in a small amount of flour before folding them in; this helps suspend them evenly throughout the blondies.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Lemon Blondies are more than just a dessert—they’re a joyful celebration of fresh fruit flavors and comforting baked sweetness. If you’ve been searching for a treat that sings with bright citrus and juicy berries, this recipe is your new best friend. Dive in, bake a batch, and watch how quickly these become a favorite on your dessert menu!
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Regular (see variations for gluten-free and vegan options)
Description
Strawberry Lemon Blondies are delightful dessert bars that perfectly blend sweet and tangy flavors with fresh strawberries and bright lemon zest and juice. These moist, tender bars offer a refreshing twist on traditional blondies, ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (washed, diced)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Wash and dice fresh strawberries, then zest and juice your lemons, setting all aside for easy access.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the blondies tender.
- Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold the diced strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them to preserve their burst of flavor and the batter’s vibrant pink color.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve to enjoy their fresh strawberry and lemon balance.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor and best zest and juice quality.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and moist.
- Gently fold in strawberries to prevent the batter from turning too pink or watery.
- Check for doneness starting 5 minutes before the timer to avoid overbaking.
- Allow blondies to cool fully before slicing for clean cuts and perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (1/16th of pan)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
