There is something irresistibly joyful about the bright, zesty flavors in this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. Imagine the buttery richness of classic blondies married with the fresh, tangy burst of lemon zest and juice, balanced perfectly by sweet, juicy chunks of strawberries. These blondies are soft, moist, and speckled with little pockets of white chocolate that melt into every bite. If you’re looking to make a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, this is the recipe that will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each one plays an essential role, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make these blondies so special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives the blondies their rich, tender crumb while adding buttery depth.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a moist texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: Adds a fragrant citrus brightness that makes the blondies pop.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings a fresh, tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the blondies giving them their soft but sturdy body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light and slightly airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the lemon and strawberry flavors.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: These juicy bursts add natural sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Melt into creamy pockets that complement the fruity notes beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—it’s a small step but makes lifting those blondies out with ease a total game-changer. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, pour in your melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the consistency is smooth and combined—this creates the luscious, buttery foundation your blondies will rest on.
Step 3: Add the Lemon and Eggs
Next, mix in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. Their bright zing sets the tone for this delightful dessert. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating gently, and finish with vanilla extract for a touch of warmth and depth. This wet mixture will be fragrant and inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Carefully fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together—overmixing can toughen blondies, and you want that tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and White Chocolate
Here comes the best part—gently fold in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. The chopped strawberries bring bursts of natural sweetness and moisture, while the white chocolate adds melty, creamy bits that make these blondies truly luscious.
Step 6: Spread Batter and Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll want that golden top with just a few moist crumbs on a toothpick—it means the blondies are perfectly tender and not dry.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let the blondies cool completely right in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then slice into squares. The smell alone will have you eager for the first bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your presentation, consider dusting your blondies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing note that complements the lemon and strawberry perfectly.
Side Dishes
These blondies are a treat on their own, but they also play beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve them with a cup of hot tea or fresh lemonade to echo the citrusy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these blondies into mini squares and serve them on a pretty platter for a party, or stack them with layers of fresh strawberries and lemon curd for a dessert parfait twist. They also make charming gifts wrapped with a simple ribbon and a handwritten recipe card—utterly charming and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacking or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
Want to keep your Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe handy for longer? Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze them in a sealed container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a burst of summer anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen blondies, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you like them a bit gooey and melty. This little reheating trick makes them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture, you can use frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
Do I have to use white chocolate chips?
Nope! White chocolate chips add a lovely creamy sweetness, but you can skip them or substitute with regular chocolate chips or even chopped nuts, depending on your preference.
How long do these blondies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, the texture may start to firm up, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or similar to keep the texture right.
What’s the best way to cut the blondies cleanly?
Wait until the blondies are completely cooled, then use a sharp knife to cut straight down without sawing. Wiping the knife clean between cuts can help keep the edges neat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe enough for anyone craving a dessert that’s bursting with fresh, uplifting flavors and comforting blondie goodness. It’s simple to make, yet feels like a special treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Once you give these a try, I bet they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy every bright, buttery bite!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12-16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies recipe combines the tart brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice with juicy strawberries and optional white chocolate chips for a deliciously moist and flavorful treat. Baked to golden perfection, these blondies are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges overhang for easy removal later.
- Combine butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Add lemon and eggs: Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in strawberries and white chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries and optional white chocolate chips, being careful not to crush the berries.
- Spread batter and bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients and fruit to keep the blondies tender.
- The white chocolate chips are optional but add a nice creamy sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon and strawberries.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Ensure the blondies are fully cooled before cutting to get clean squares without crumbling.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
