If you’re craving a burst of sunshine in every bite, these luscious strawberry lemon blondies are here to brighten your day. This Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe combines the tangy zest of fresh lemon juice with the sweet, juicy pop of ripe strawberries, all baked into a buttery, tender blondie base. The delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with a smooth strawberry glaze, makes this treat a total showstopper whether you’re serving guests or indulging in a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this delightful dessert. Each item plays a crucial part—whether it’s the creamy butter that creates a rich texture or the fresh strawberries that bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy batter and rich flavor without added salt.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the tartness of lemon and strawberries, providing essential sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the binder, offering structure and moisture to the blondies.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds a zingy, refreshing brightness to the batter.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base that creates tender but sturdy blondies.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the blondies rise for a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1 cup): Fresh berries give bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for the luscious glaze, dusted sweetness without graininess.
- Strawberry puree (1 Tbsp): Provides a natural strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color to the glaze.
- Lemon juice (as needed): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency with a bright citrus kick.
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 will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze while ensuring your blondies come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air that gives your blondies a delightfully tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Lemon Juice
Next, beat in the egg until fully combined. Then, stir in the fresh lemon juice, which will infuse the batter with a fresh citrusy brightness—one of the keys to this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe’s signature zing.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Bake
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not crushed. Spread the batter uniformly into your prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
While the blondies bake and cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the lemon juice quantity to thin the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Once the blondies have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set completely before slicing into 12 squares so each piece gets just the right amount of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
These blondies look and taste fantastic by themselves, but nothing beats adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest on top to amp up that fresh, summery vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the fruity, buttery flavors beautifully. It’s a simple pairing that turns these blondies into an irresistible dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing approach, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves scattered around. You can also layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and extra berries for a stunning visual and flavorful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and flavorful. The glaze may soften over time but the taste remains incredible.
Freezing
Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your blondies warm, simply microwave a square for 10 to 15 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. The glaze will soften, creating a gooey, delicious finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are definitely best for maintaining that bright flavor and firm texture, but if you have frozen on hand, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
Is there a substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed, but results may vary slightly in texture. For the fullest flavor and best structure, all-purpose flour is recommended.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a high-quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your powdered sugar doesn’t contain any hidden dairy ingredients.
How can I make the glaze less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and balance it with more lemon juice for a tangier glaze that’s still glossy and flavorful.
What is the best way to dice strawberries for this recipe?
Choose ripe but firm strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them into small, even pieces about 1/4 inch in size to ensure they’re evenly distributed without sinking or turning the batter too wet.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is a delightful breeze to make and destined to become a family favorite. Each bite captures the perfect harmony of buttery richness, zesty lemon, and sweet strawberry that feels like a little celebration. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s the kind of dessert that brings sunshine to any table and smiles to anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons with sweet, juicy strawberries in a buttery, moist blondie base. Topped with a luscious strawberry glaze, this dessert is perfect for spring and summer, offering a delightful balance of citrus and berry with a rich, tender texture.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 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
Strawberry Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
- Lemon juice, as needed to thin the glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of blondies after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a tender texture.
- Add the egg: Beat in the large egg thoroughly until fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Mix in lemon juice and dry ingredients: Stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, and gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add strawberries and bake: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the batter. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the blondies bake, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and enough lemon juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency for the glaze.
- Glaze and set: Once blondies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the strawberry lemon glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into 12 servings.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to cream properly with sugar for a light and fluffy texture.
- Use fresh strawberries and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the blondies tender.
- Allow the glaze to fully set before slicing to prevent it from sliding off.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
