Strawberry Lemon Blondies

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Strawberry Blondies are a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor and juicy strawberries in every bite. The soft, dense texture of the blondie base is complemented by the sweet, tangy strawberry glaze that gives the entire dessert an extra punch of flavor. This recipe is easy to make and the results are incredibly satisfying, making it a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the Blondies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Glaze

• 1 tablespoon fresh strawberry puree (from the strawberries for the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges to help lift the blondies out later for easy glazing and slicing.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Egg: Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Add the Lemon Juice: Add the fresh lemon juice and beat again. The lemon juice might not completely incorporate into the batter at this stage, but that’s okay.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dry flour is fully incorporated.
6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to over-mix and break the pieces apart.
7. Spread the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Since the dough is thick, you can use a large offset spatula to help smooth it out as evenly as possible.
8. Bake the Blondies: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the blondies start to turn golden around the edges and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out moist but not wet. Don’t overbake them, as they will dry out.
9. Cool the Blondies: Let the blondies cool on a wire rack before glazing. While they are cooling, prepare the glaze.
10. Prepare the Glaze: Trim the strawberries for the glaze and puree them in a small food processor. Strain the puree through a small strainer to get about 1 tablespoon of fresh strawberry puree.
11. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and lump-free. If the glaze is too thin, add a little more sugar. If it’s too thick, add more lemon juice to thin it out.
12. Glaze the Blondies: Once the blondies have completely cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 slices
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour, 10-15 minutes

Variations

• Other Fruits: Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other fruits, like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, for a different flavor combination.
• Lemon Zest: For extra lemony flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute and replace the egg with a flax egg to make these blondies vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as bright.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the blondies a day in advance. Once they’ve cooled and been glazed, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How can I make these blondies more fudgy?

To make the blondies a bit more fudgy, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Check them with a toothpick to ensure they are set but not fully dried out.

Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze adds a nice sweetness and tang, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler, less sweet version of these blondies.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray if you don’t have parchment paper, but the parchment helps with easy lifting and slicing.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Blondies are a delicious treat that balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a delicious snack, these blondies with their fresh glaze are sure to be a hit. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a perfect way to enjoy spring and summer fruit!

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