Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy blondie base. The combination of juicy strawberries and bright lemon zest creates a burst of summer in every bite, making these blondies an ideal treat for warmer weather or any occasion that calls for a sweet, fruity dessert. With a slightly crispy golden edge and a moist, flavorful center, these blondies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, thanks to the pops of vibrant red strawberries.

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees success every time. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a special dessert to share, these blondies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• Delicious Sweet-Tart Flavor: The sweet, juicy strawberries and tangy lemon zest blend together beautifully, creating a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Soft, Chewy Texture: The base of the blondies is soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy golden edge. The strawberries add extra moisture and a slight burst of juice, making every bite irresistible.
• Visually Appealing: The vivid red strawberries scattered throughout the pale, golden blondie dough create a beautiful contrast that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you want to impress.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar, you can make these delicious blondies at home without any complicated ingredients or techniques.
• Versatile and Easy: Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a quick, delicious treat for yourself, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a versatile choice that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 16 blondies
• Calories per Serving: Around 200-220 calories per blondie, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200-220 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 28-30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18-20g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Lemon Blondies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
• Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips (for added sweetness and texture)

Special Equipment

While making Strawberry Lemon Blondies doesn’t require specialized tools, a few essential pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar together much quicker and easier. It ensures that your batter is light and fluffy, which contributes to a chewy texture in the final blondies.
2. 9×9-inch Baking Pan: A square 9×9-inch baking pan is the perfect size for these blondies. It allows the blondies to bake evenly while creating a perfect thickness.
3. Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it with cooking spray will prevent the blondies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential in this recipe to ensure that the balance of ingredients is just right. Using standard measuring cups and spoons ensures that your blondies turn out as expected.
5. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two bowls: one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls are ideal for baking, as they won’t react with the acid in the lemon juice.
6. Cooling Rack: After baking, it’s important to let the blondies cool completely on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around them and prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Blondie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with cooking spray to ensure the blondies don’t stick during baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it helps incorporate air into the batter, which contributes to the soft and chewy texture of the blondies.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The lemon zest will infuse the batter with a fragrant citrus aroma, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing tanginess that balances the sweetness of the sugar.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The baking powder helps the blondies rise slightly and gives them a light, fluffy texture, while the salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense blondies. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky but smooth.

3. Add the Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Be sure to cut the strawberries into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. The strawberries will add a burst of moisture and flavor to each bite of the blondie. If you like a little extra sweetness and texture, you can also add ¼ cup of white chocolate chips at this point.

4. Transfer the Batter to the Baking Pan

Once the strawberries are fully incorporated, transfer the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the top so the blondies bake uniformly.

5. Bake the Blondies

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The blondies should have a slightly firm top with a soft and chewy interior. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can dry out quickly.

6. Cool the Blondies

Once the blondies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the blondies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and make them easier to cut into squares.

7. Cut and Serve

Once the blondies are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into 16 squares or smaller rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense blondies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to ensure the blondies stay soft and chewy.
• Test for Doneness: Because ovens vary, make sure to test the blondies with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect blondies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin baking. This will help them mix more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Add a Lemon Glaze: If you’d like to enhance the lemon flavor, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the blondies after they’ve cooled. Mix powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to make the glaze and drizzle it over the top.

Variations of Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• Strawberry Lemonade Blondies: Add a tablespoon of strawberry lemonade drink mix to the batter for a more intense fruity flavor and a slight tartness that mimics strawberry lemonade.
• White Chocolate Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Add ¼ to ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for a creamy, sweet contrast to the tangy strawberries and lemon.
• Strawberry Lemon Almond Blondies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist that complements the strawberries and lemon perfectly.
• Glazed Strawberry Lemon Blondies: After baking, drizzle the blondies with a sweet lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little milk.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. To store, place the cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will remain soft and chewy as long as they’re stored properly.

For longer storage, you can freeze the blondies. Arrange the blondies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen blondies will last for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave for a few seconds.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Pair these blondies with complementary treats to enhance your experience:

• Lemonade: A glass of cold lemonade, whether traditional or sparkling, pairs beautifully with these fruity, tangy blondies.
• Fresh Berries: A small bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complements the flavors in the blondies and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Iced Tea: A cold glass of sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with these blondies, especially on a warm day.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Top your blondies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors in a soft, chewy base. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for a gathering, a treat to share with family, or just a delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries and lemon, these blondies are a perfect choice. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious blondies that everyone will love. Enjoy the bright, fruity goodness of Strawberry Lemon Blondies—they’re sure to be a hit at any occasion!