Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the ultimate sweet treat to bridge your love for fresh, juicy strawberries and all things bright and zesty. Each square blends buttery, chewy goodness with vibrant lemon and pockets of tart fruit—basically, a burst of happiness in every bite! The irresistible glaze ties it all together with a sweet citrus finish, making these bars a crowd-pleaser for just about any occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make these blondies shine! Each component adds color, flavor, or an unbeatable texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

• Unsalted butter: Melting butter gives the blondies a dense, fudgy texture rather than cakiness.
• Granulated sugar: This provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve a crackly top.
• Eggs: Eggs are the glue, offering structure and richness in each blondie square.
• Lemon zest: Zest packs in intense citrus aroma and a pop of color—don’t skimp!
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings real brightness and tang that makes each bite sing.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the fruit’s tartness.
• All-purpose flour: A reliable base for chewy edges and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Lifts the blondies ever so slightly so they aren’t dense.
• Salt: A tiny amount enhances and balances all the other flavors.
• Fresh strawberries: Dice them for sweet, juicy bursts; always opt for fresh for best results.
• Powdered sugar: The must-have for your silky-smooth lemon glaze.
• Lemon juice (for glaze): Amplifies the blondies’ citrusy notes to the very top.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit overhang the sides for easy blondie removal. This essential step not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to lift and slice the bars later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The lemon’s aroma at this stage is swoon-worthy!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. A little extra whisk here prevents lumps and ensures even blondies from edge to center.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined—stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour for the softest crumb.

Step 5: Add the Strawberries

Gently fold in your freshly diced strawberries, dispersing them evenly through the batter. If strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry first to avoid making the blondies soggy.

Step 6: Bake

Evenly spread the blondie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and a toothpick poked into the center comes out with moist crumbs—don’t overbake!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let your Strawberry Lemon Blondies cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice for a thick, pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for glossy, tangy perfection, then cut into squares and enjoy.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Garnishes

Dress up your blondies with extra diced strawberries, thin lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the glaze. A touch of powdered sugar dusted just before serving makes them absolutely photo-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair Strawberry Lemon Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or serve them beside a tall glass of iced tea for a light and refreshing afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking blondie squares on a tiered dessert stand for parties, tucking a few in a cute bakery box as gifts, or cutting them into hearts or diamonds for special occasions. Their bright color and zesty aroma always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigeration can help them last up to a week, but let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These blondies freeze remarkably well! After glazing and cooling, wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge or on the counter when you need a sweet treat.

Reheating

If you love blondies slightly warm, pop a square in the microwave for about ten seconds. This softens the bars and enhances their buttery, citrusy aroma without melting the glaze too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are definitely best here, as frozen ones tend to release extra moisture and can make the bars too soft or soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and blot them thoroughly before folding into the batter.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes removing and slicing Strawberry Lemon Blondies so much simpler, and keeps the bars looking sharp. If you don’t have any, grease your baking pan really well and dust it lightly with flour.

Why did my blondies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?

This often happens if you overmix the batter or bake them a little too long. For the chewiness we love in blondies, mix just until the flour disappears and bake until barely set in the center.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful that texture may shift slightly, but the flavors will still be amazing!

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Absolutely! Double everything and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to slightly adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on the edges and do the toothpick test for doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert to brighten any gathering—or just to treat yourself—Strawberry Lemon Blondies are truly a standout. With the perfect balance of sweet strawberries, tangy lemon, and a tender, buttery crumb, they always bring smiles and repeat requests. Try them once and they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!

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