Craving a dessert that perfectly captures summer’s vibrant flavors? These irresistible Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine buttery sweetness with bright citrus and juicy berries for an unforgettable treat! Ready in just 20 minutes of active prep time, they’ve quickly become my most requested recipe, with readers reporting they disappear within minutes at gatherings. Let’s dive into this game-changing dessert that’s taking social media by storm!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a true crowd-pleaser that even novice bakers can master! The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors creates an addictive treat that’s more exciting than traditional blondies. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results without complicated steps. Plus, they’re versatile enough for casual gatherings or elegant dessert platters!
Ingredients and Equipment
For the Blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Equipment Needed:
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Microplane or zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Method
Step 1: Prep Your Space Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. Gently fold in the salt and flour just until incorporated – be careful not to overmix!
Step 3: Add Strawberries Fold the diced strawberries gently into the batter. The moisture from the berries helps create that perfect blondie texture!
Step 4: Bake Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
Step 6: Glaze Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze. Start with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add more as needed to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled blondies.
Step 7: Cut and Serve Cut into 16 squares and serve! For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears to ensure tender, not tough, blondies.
Watch Your Baking Time: Overbaking will dry out your blondies. They should be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven as they’ll continue cooking in the hot pan.
Pat Strawberries Dry: Excess moisture from berries can affect the texture, so gently pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the batter.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures everything mixes properly for the perfect texture.
You Must Know
The perfect strawberry lemon blondies depend on quality ingredients! Use fresh (not frozen) strawberries for the best texture and flavor. When selecting lemons, look for those that feel heavy for their size with thin, bright yellow skin – they’ll provide more juice and stronger flavor. For an extra pop of color and flavor, reserve a few small diced strawberry pieces to sprinkle on top of the glaze before it sets!
Serving Ideas
Transform these blondies into a show-stopping dessert with these serving suggestions:
- Pair warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast
- Create a strawberry shortcake-inspired treat by topping with whipped cream and additional fresh berries
- Serve alongside lemon sorbet for a double dose of citrus refreshment
- Cut into tiny squares for an elegant addition to brunch or afternoon tea
- Layer crumbled blondies with vanilla custard and fresh berries for a quick trifle
Tips and Variations
Make it Fancy:
- Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the batter
- Incorporate 1/4 cup culinary-grade dried lavender for a sophisticated twist
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries
- Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds for extra texture
Dietary Adaptations:
- Make it gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water) for a vegan version
- Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet treat
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed blondies for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze before serving.
Reheating Tip: Warm individual blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste and slightly gooey texture!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best, but in a pinch, you can use frozen. Be sure to thaw completely and drain excess moisture before adding to the batter.
How do I know when they’re done baking? The edges should be slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13 inch pan and increase baking time by about 5-7 minutes.
Why did my blondies turn out cakey? This typically happens from overmixing or too much flour. Remember to fold ingredients gently and measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cups rather than scooping.
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
- Breakfast Grilled Cheese
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies have become my go-to summer dessert for good reason – they’re incredibly simple yet bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors that everyone loves! The bright lemon pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries, while the dense, chewy blondie base provides the perfect canvas for these vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these blondies never disappoint. Give them a try this weekend – your taste buds will thank you!