Have you ever faced the dilemma of craving something sweet that is not just cakes or cookies? Perhaps you’ve longed for a dessert that combines the best of fruity freshness with the comforting sweetness of classic baked treats. The solution lies in these delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies!
These blondies are a fresh take on the traditional brownie but with lemony tang and juicy strawberries that brighten every bite. They’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat at home. Not only are they a delightful explosion of flavor, but they also save you time in the kitchen since you mix everything in one bowl. It’s a perfect blend of fruity goodness and rich, buttery bliss—and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll find that these Strawberry Lemon Blondies offer a perfect harmony of flavor. The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the tartness of the lemon brightens the buttery blondie base, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dessert.
They take only about 30 minutes to bake, so you can have delicious homemade treats ready in no time. That means more time to enjoy them with family or friends—perfect for a last-minute dessert!
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or make use of whatever berries are in season—making them a versatile option for any occasion.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure your blondies come out easily after baking.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar using a whisk or a wooden spoon. Mix until well incorporated and smooth—this should take about 2 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter-sugar mix. Start by adding one-third of the flour mixture, stirring until just combined, then add the next third, repeating until the elements are fully integrated.
Fold in Fruit and Zest: Gently fold in the lemon zest, chopped strawberries, and lemon juice. It’s important not to overmix; you want a smooth batter with streaks of bright berries.
Spread and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You should also notice a delightful golden color and a pleasant lemon scent wafting through your kitchen.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares for serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies
For the best experience, serve your Strawberry Lemon Blondies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light citrus sorbet for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, consider serving them alongside lemonade for a cohesive, theme-oriented treat.
How to Store Strawberry Lemon Blondies
To keep your Strawberry Lemon Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for about a week.
For longer storage, these blondies freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in the microwave for a quick reheat.
Tips to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Brown Sugar Alternatives: If you want a deeper flavor, consider mixing light and dark brown sugar for added depth in sweetness.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg is at room temperature. This will help it mix more easily into the batter, providing a better texture.
Avoid Overmixing: When folding in the flour mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
Adjusting Consistency: If your batter appears too thick, a tablespoon of additional lemon juice can provide moisture and enhance the flavor.
Add Spices: For a unique flavor twist, you might add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for warmth.
Fresh Berries: If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries work in a pinch but drain them to prevent excess moisture.
Baking Time Variations: Every oven can differ. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Presentation: Cut blondies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids or decorate with a berry glaze for fancy occasions.
Making Ahead: Blondie batter can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Leftover Ideas: Crumble leftover blondies over yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Variations
Vegan Delight Blondies: Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and swap butter for coconut oil. These will remain just as moist and flavorful!
Nutty Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added crunch and healthy fats—this pairing compliments the strawberries beautifully.
Citrus Medley: Bleach the flavor by incorporating a mix of citrus fruits. Use orange zest, along with lemon, and serve with a drizzle of orange glaze.
Savory Sweet Fusion: Incorporate a touch of basil or thyme into the batter for an unexpected savory note that balances the sweetness of the blondies perfectly.
Gluten-Free Bliss: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these blondies the day before serving. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled, and enjoy the next day. The flavors may even deepen overnight!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Cut them into squares, layer them with parchment paper, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave.
What can I substitute for the egg?
A flaxseed substitute works wonderfully, utilizing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind your ingredients just as well!
How do I prevent burning?
To avoid burning edges, check your blondies a few minutes earlier than the recommended bake time. If you notice browning, you can cover the edges with foil.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Embark on a flavor journey with these Strawberry Lemon Blondies—light, refreshing, and the perfect balance of sweetness and zing. Whether you enjoy them solo or share them with friends, they are sure to brighten up any occasion!
Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar using a whisk or a wooden spoon until smooth.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the lemon zest, chopped strawberries, and lemon juice until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.