Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
The Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is a pure celebration of spring and summer in dessert form! Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a classic blondie, but with an utterly irresistible twist: juicy strawberries and bright, zesty lemon. Every bite bursts with sweet-tart fruitiness and buttery richness, making these bars perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply treating yourself at home. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both simple to make and delightfully refreshing, this is the recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is how it transforms staple pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh produce into an unforgettable treat. Each component plays a deliciously important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and keeps the blondies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars just enough, letting the strawberries and lemon shine.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the chewy texture.
- Lemon juice: Delivers a tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Lemon zest: Infuses the blondies with fragrant, concentrated citrus flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the tartness of the lemon.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to these chewy bars.
- Baking powder: Provides a gentle lift, keeping the blondies from being too dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Fresh strawberries (diced): Juicy, colorful pops of flavor in every bite.
- Flour (for tossing strawberries): Prevents the berries from sinking and helps them stay evenly distributed.
- Powdered sugar (for optional glaze): Creates a sweet, glossy finish when mixed with lemon juice.
- Lemon juice (for optional glaze): Adds a fresh citrus zing to the glaze, complementing the blondies perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and either lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it really well. This little bit of prep makes it a breeze to lift out your blondies later and ensures not a single scrumptious square sticks to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Next, add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely blended and smells like a burst of summer.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps the leavening and salt distribute evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite of your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe comes out just right.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can make blondies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries
Toss your diced strawberries with one tablespoon of flour. This simple trick helps keep the strawberries suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom. Gently fold the floured strawberries into your batter, being careful not to crush them.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the blondies cool completely in the pan so they can firm up and slice cleanly.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
For an extra layer of lemony sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled blondies before slicing. This simple glaze takes your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe from delicious to dazzling!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra lemon zest curls, or even a tiny strawberry slice on each square can make these blondies look bakery-worthy. A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbal note, too!
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. If you’re serving them at brunch, a cup of hot tea or a glass of fresh lemonade makes a wonderfully refreshing match for the bright flavors of the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the blondies into bite-sized cubes and spear them with decorative toothpicks for a party platter, or layer cubes in mini jars with whipped cream and extra berries for a fun parfait. You can even stack and tie them with baker’s twine for adorable edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because these blondies are loaded with fresh strawberries, they’re best stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and they’ll stay delicious for up to four days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a quick treat.
Reheating
While these blondies are lovely served chilled or at room temperature, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness. Be careful not to overheat, as the strawberries can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Fresh strawberries give the best texture and color, but frozen will do in a pinch!
Can I double the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and only grate the yellow part—avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the lemon before juicing for easiest handling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The blondies may be slightly softer, but the flavor and zing will still shine.
Why do I need to toss the strawberries in flour?
Coating the diced strawberries in flour helps suspend them in the batter, preventing them from sinking to the bottom and ensuring every bite is studded with juicy fruit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor, you have to try the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. It’s truly one of those treats that brings a little sunshine to any day—share it with friends or keep the whole pan for yourself (I won’t judge!). Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry lemon blondies combine the bright freshness of lemon with sweet, juicy strawberries baked into a buttery, tender blondie base. Perfect as a summer dessert or anytime treat, these easy-to-make bars are moist, flavorful, and topped optionally with a tangy lemon glaze for extra zing.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing strawberries)
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which helps keep the blondies tender.
- Add Strawberries: Toss the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent them from sinking. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to firm up and make cutting easier.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled blondies before slicing and serving to add a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- These blondies are best stored in the refrigerator due to the fresh strawberries and will keep for up to 4 days.
- Allow refrigerated blondies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (approx. 2×2 inch square)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
