Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, combining the sweet flavor of strawberries with a bright, tangy lemon note. These bars have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them perfect for spring and summer desserts or any occasion where a fresh, fruity treat is desired. With a simple glaze on top, these blondies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on the table.

Ingredients

Blondies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (from about 2 large strawberries)
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice, or just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Line a 9×9 square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
• Add the lemon juice and mix; it may not fully incorporate at this stage, which is fine.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
• Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
• Check doneness with a toothpick; it should be moist but not wet.
• Allow the blondies to cool completely.
• Prepare the glaze by pureeing the strawberries and straining to obtain about 1 tablespoon of puree.
• Mix the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
• Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies.
• Allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Slice the blondies into 12 even squares for perfect portions. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Serve at room temperature to enjoy the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Storage: Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for best results.
• Transporting: For potlucks or gatherings, line a container with parchment paper and stack the blondies carefully to prevent sticking or breaking.

Variations

1. White Chocolate Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and creamy bites.
2. Gluten-Free Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains soft and moist.
3. Berry Medley Blondies: Mix in blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries for a colorful berry variation.
4. Almond Lemon Blondies: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty twist.
5. Vegan Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Replace butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg (1 Tbsp flax + 3 Tbsp water), and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
6. Cheesecake Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Swirl 1/2 cup sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a rich cheesecake version.
7. Lemon Poppy Seed Strawberry Blondies: Add 1 Tbsp poppy seeds to the batter for a subtle crunch and extra flavor.
8. Mini Blondie Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties and lunchboxes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
2. How do I know when the blondies are done?
   Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
3. Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can bake a day in advance and store at room temperature or refrigerate. Glaze just before serving.
4. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
   Yes, substitute 1 tsp of lemon extract for the juice. Reduce other liquids slightly to maintain batter consistency.
5. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
   Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more lemon juice to thin the glaze.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use a 9×13 pan for a doubled recipe. Bake for 40-45 minutes and adjust glaze accordingly.
7. Are these blondies freezer-friendly?
   Yes, freeze unglazed blondies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
8. Can I substitute butter with oil?
   Yes, use 3/4 cup neutral oil, but the texture will be slightly denser.
9. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking?
   Lightly toss diced strawberries in 1 tsp flour before folding into the batter.
10. Can I add a crunchy topping?
    Yes, sprinkle chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or crushed graham crackers on top before baking for added texture.

Strawberry Lemon Blondies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a tender, rich texture. They are ideal for dessert tables, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon glaze makes these bars visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.

Print