Why Strawberry Lemon Blondies Are a Must-Try Treat

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with Strawberry Lemon Blondies, a deliciously irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again. These moist, chewy bars combine the bright zestiness of lemon with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that feels like summer in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy snack, Strawberry Lemon Blondies bring vibrant flavor and delightful texture all in one easy-to-make treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A burst of fresh flavors: The natural tang of lemon pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries for a refreshing taste experience.
  • Perfectly moist texture: These blondies have a soft, chewy bite that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples plus fresh fruit, it’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can master.
  • Versatile dessert option: Great for casual snacks, dessert tables, or gifting to friends.
  • Bright, cheerful appearance: The pops of red and yellow make them as pretty as they are tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essential ingredients, you can whip up these delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies quickly. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the right balance of flavor, moisture, and color.

  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the blondies perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and keeps the bars moist.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds a fluffy texture.
  • Fresh strawberries: Offers juicy sweetness and a vibrant red hue.
  • Lemon zest and juice: Infuse every bite with bright citrus tang.
  • Baking powder: Ensures a light rise for tender bars.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm aroma.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Variations for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Feel free to customize these Strawberry Lemon Blondies to suit your tastes or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and easy to tweak without losing its signature charm.

  • Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping the texture just as delicious.
  • Vegan swap: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs to make a plant-based version.
  • Added crunch: Toss in chopped almonds or pistachios for a nutty bite.
  • Berry mix: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries alongside strawberries for extra fruity depth.
  • Drizzle topping: Add a lemon glaze or white chocolate drizzle to elevate presentation and flavor.
Why Strawberry Lemon Blondies Are a Must-Try Treat

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Wash and hull your strawberries, then chop them into small pieces. Zest your lemon carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, and squeeze out the fresh juice.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieve the blondies’ signature moist and tender texture.

Step 3: Add Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla

Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, followed by the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all the vibrant flavors evenly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them throughout the mixture while keeping their juicy texture intact.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set so they hold together beautifully when served.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Lemon Blondies

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries: They offer the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the blondies tough instead of tender.
  • Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense blondies.
  • Line your baking pan: Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean edges.
  • Allow cooling time: Blondies hold their shape and taste better after resting for at least an hour.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a pretty, snowy effect or add a few thin lemon slices and strawberry halves for an eye-catching, fresh garnish.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to complement their sweet-tart flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Strawberry Lemon Blondies into bite-sized squares for dessert platters, or serve layered with fruit and cream in small parfait glasses for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their moist texture intact.

Freezing

Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm blondies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back their soft, freshly-baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which can make the blondies too wet.

How do I prevent the blondies from sticking to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it will help prevent sticking and make removal much easier.

Can I make Strawberry Lemon Blondies dairy-free?

Absolutely, substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine works great for a dairy-free version.

Are these blondies very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness with the lemon’s bright tartness cutting through, making them refreshing rather than overly sugary.

What is the best way to store Strawberry Lemon Blondies for gifting?

Wrap the blondies tightly in parchment and then foil, placing them in a decorative box or tin for a delicious homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are truly a showstopper dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for any season, these bars bring a burst of sunshine and a dance of flavors to your palate. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why they become a favorite treat in no time!

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Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are moist, chewy bars bursting with fresh strawberry sweetness and bright lemon zest. This easy-to-make dessert combines the vibrant flavors of summer in every bite, offering a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy treat that’s ideal for snacks, dessert tables, or gifting.

  • Author: Judy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 9-12 blondies (depending on slicing) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution option)

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend for GF option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free version)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit and Flavorings

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces. Zest the lemon carefully to avoid the white pith and squeeze out the juice.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures the blondies have a moist and tender texture.
  3. Add Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to evenly combine the flavors.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly while preserving their juicy texture.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to help them set and hold together perfectly when served.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep blondies tender rather than tough.
  • Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling to avoid dense texture.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
  • Allow blondies to cool for at least an hour for better structure and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 blondie (1 of 12)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: strawberry lemon blondies, lemon dessert, summer dessert, chewy blondies, fruit bars, easy dessert

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