There’s something utterly delightful about the marriage of sweet and tangy in a single bite, and that’s exactly what the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe delivers in spades. These blondies are a beautiful blend of tender, buttery crumb infused with fresh, zesty lemon and studded with juicy, vibrant strawberries. It’s a treat that looks as cheerful as it tastes, perfect for brightening up any dessert table or afternoon tea. If you love a dessert that feels both comforting and refreshingly fruity, this recipe will become a fast favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while using each ingredient to bring out maximum flavor, texture, and that gorgeous balance of sweetness and tartness. Every element plays a part in turning basic pantry staples into a moist, flavorful blondie packed with fresh fruit goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb to your blondies.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the batter perfectly without overwhelming the lemon and strawberry notes.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the blondies hold together while staying soft.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, tangy pop that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives structure to the blondies, balancing chewiness and tenderness.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the blondies rise just enough for a light, cakey texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1 cup): Bursts of juicy, fresh fruit add natural sweetness and lovely color.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): The base for the luscious glaze that ties it all together.
- Strawberry puree (1 Tbsp, about 2 large strawberries): Intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze for an extra fruity finish.
- Lemon juice (as needed): To thin the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your blondies will come out easily without sticking, making clean-up a breeze and keeping your blondies perfectly intact when slicing.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating a tender and soft base for your blondies while ensuring that sweetness is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add in the large egg and continue beating until fully combined. The egg helps bind everything together and contributes to the moist texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Then Add Lemon Juice
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the raising agent and seasoning. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Then fold in the fresh squeezed lemon juice to inject that signature citrus brightness right into the batter.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Bake
Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them too much—they should remain in nice pieces to give lovely bursts of fruit. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the blondies are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
While your blondies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and enough lemon juice to create a smooth, spreadable glaze. This glaze adds a glossy, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rich blondies.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Once your blondies are cooled completely, spread the glaze evenly over the top and let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing. This gives the glaze time to firm up slightly, making your blondies beautifully glossy and bursting with flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe even further, sprinkle some extra diced strawberries or a few lemon zest curls on top of the glaze just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely, fresh touch both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair fantastically with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their tangy sweetness perfectly. A hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade also makes an inviting companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your blondies cut into small squares atop pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of extra glaze around the edges. You can also turn them into dessert bars with layers of lemon cream or strawberry compote, making every bite decadently layered and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them just as delicious the next day—if they last that long!
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy your blondies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warm blondies bring out that buttery softness and highlight the fresh fruit flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and provide a bright flavor. If you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture, which could affect the blondies’ texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The results are delicious and just as tender.
Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free option?
Yes, margarine or a plant-based butter substitute works well here. Just pick one with a similar fat content to maintain the richness and tenderness of the blondies.
How tart are these blondies from the lemon juice?
The lemon juice provides a bright, fresh tang that balances the sweetness without being overwhelming. If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, you can reduce the juice slightly, but don’t skip it altogether!
What if I don’t have time to make the glaze?
The blondies are tasty on their own, but the glaze really ties everything together. If you’re short on time, try a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a quick finish that still feels special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as cheerful to look at as it is to eat, the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is your new go-to. The perfect balance of buttery sweetness and fresh fruity zing makes it a total crowd-pleaser, whether for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just as much as I have!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these zesty and fruity Strawberry Lemon Blondies, a perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries in a moist, buttery blondie base. These bars are topped with a luscious strawberry-lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor and are ideal for spring or summer treats.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 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
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
- Lemon juice, as needed to thin the glaze
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper ensuring coverage for easy removal of the blondies after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add egg: Beat the large egg into the creamed mixture thoroughly until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and homogenous batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in strawberries and bake: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter, then spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While the blondies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and enough lemon juice to achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Glaze and set: Once the blondies have cooled slightly, evenly drizzle the strawberry lemon glaze on top and allow it to set before slicing into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid dense blondies.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less lemon juice.
- If you prefer more lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter or glaze.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
