Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers sunshine in every bite, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are your ticket to sweet-tart, summery bliss! These bars combine chewy, buttery goodness with a burst of juicy strawberries and zesty lemon, all topped with a pretty pink glaze. Every bite tastes like the happiest day of spring – and I absolutely can’t get enough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how this short, simple ingredient list creates such magic! Every item here has a job: butter brings the chew, fresh strawberries add fruit-filled pockets, and lemon brightens everything to irresistible perfection.

• Unsalted Butter: Makes your blondies rich, tender, and gives them that classic, homey flavor. Be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Sweetens the base and helps the bars bake up with that signature chewy texture.
• Large Egg: Binds everything and keeps the texture moist without making it cakey.
• Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Provides fresh, zingy tartness — don’t use bottled lemon, fresh is best for that bright flavor!
• All Purpose Flour: Gives the blondies structure so they’re sturdy enough for slicing, but still soft.
• Baking Powder: Just enough to help the bars fluff up a touch, without turning them into cake.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors — a pinch makes a big difference.
• Fresh Strawberries: Chopped into tiny pieces, these nestle throughout each bite for fruity bursts.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Sifted to keep the glaze silky-smooth and lump-free.
• Strawberry Puree (for glaze): Just a tablespoon adds color and amplifies the strawberry goodness; you’ll need about two large berries.
• Lemon Juice (for glaze): Just enough to make the glaze creamy and spreadable, with a little more zing.

Variations

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own delicious spin on them. Whether you’re working with pantry swaps, special diets, or just a creative mood, these ideas make it fun to experiment!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour — just keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free blends can vary.
• Berry Swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for new flavor adventures or a beautiful berry mix.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter instead of regular butter for a completely dairy-free treat; the blondies stay wonderfully chewy!
• Extra Zest: For even more citrus punch, stir in finely grated lemon zest to the batter or the glaze.
• White Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful for a creamy, dreamy twist that pairs perfectly with the fruit.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to glaze and slice these beauties!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This not only brings air into the batter but sets up that classic chewy blondie texture you’re after.

Step 3: Add Egg and Lemon Juice

Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth, then pour in your fresh lemon juice and continue mixing. The batter might look a little curdled at this point — totally normal! The flour is up next to bring it all together.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until you see no more dry streaks. Don’t overmix — we want softness, not toughness!

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Bake

Very gently fold in your diced fresh strawberries. The batter will be thick, so take your time spreading it into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon) to smooth it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown and the center looks set. Let them cool completely in the pan — patience pays off!

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Lemon Glaze

While your blondies cool, blend a couple of trimmed strawberries to make a sweet puree, and strain to get a smooth tablespoon of juice. Whisk that puree with sifted powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice until you have a pink, glossy, spreadable glaze. Adjust with extra sugar or lemon juice as needed to get the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Glaze, Set & Slice

Spread your vibrant strawberry lemon glaze evenly over the cooled bars, then let it set before slicing into 12 neat squares. This is when Strawberry Lemon Blondies truly become show-stopping!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Garnishes

For a festive look, top each bar with a thin slice of fresh strawberry or a few curls of lemon zest. A quick dusting of powdered sugar or edible flowers can take them from everyday bliss to full-on party-ready!

Side Dishes

Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream. On warm days, I love them with chilled lemonade or an iced tea for a dreamy afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the blondies into smaller squares for a sweet dessert platter or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for cute picnic treats. They’re also gorgeous layered in glass jars for edible gifts or party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. If stacking, separate layers with parchment to keep the glaze pretty!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled, unglazed blondie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then add the glaze fresh so it keeps its lovely texture and shine.

Reheating

I love these chilled, but if you’d like to serve them slightly warm, pop a bar in the microwave for just 8-10 seconds. Be careful though — over-warming can melt the glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Strawberry Lemon Blondies, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can create something magical — the kind of treat that instantly lifts your mood. Give these a try, share them with friends, and let me know how quickly they disappear from your table!

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