Strawberry Lemon Blondies: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of flavors! Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, buttery blondie, bursting with the bright tang of lemon and the sweet, juicy essence of fresh strawberries. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of the blondie are debated, it’s widely accepted as the lighter, vanilla-flavored cousin of the brownie, gaining popularity in the late 19th century. My twist on this classic treat elevates it to a new level, combining the comforting familiarity of a blondie with the vibrant zest of summer. The addition of strawberries and lemon isn’t just about flavor; it’s about capturing the essence of sunshine in every bite.

People adore these Strawberry Lemon Blondies for their irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The chewy, slightly dense blondie base provides a satisfying foundation for the bright, tangy lemon and the sweet, juicy strawberries. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat for your next gathering. The vibrant colors also make them visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Blondies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Preparing the Blondie Batter

1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. You can do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted. Be careful not to overheat it! Overheated butter can affect the texture of your blondies.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk them together really well until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of sugar. This step is important because it helps create that chewy texture we all love in blondies.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Crack in the eggs, one at a time, and whisk each one in thoroughly before adding the next. Make sure the mixture is well combined after each egg. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cakey blondies instead of chewy ones.
4. Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon extract. These extracts are key to getting that delicious strawberry lemon flavor. Don’t skip them! The lemon extract really enhances the lemon flavor and complements the strawberries beautifully.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for even baking.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough blondies. Mix until the flour streaks disappear, but don’t worry about a few small lumps.
7. Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to gently toss the strawberries in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the blondies during baking.

Baking the Blondies

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This is my preferred method because it makes it so easy to lift the blondies out of the pan after they’ve cooled.
2. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the blondies, as they will become dry. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set.
4. Cool Completely: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important because if you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Making the Lemon Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the blondies but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Assembling and Serving

1. Frost the Blondies: Once the blondies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the glaze.
2. Let the Glaze Set: Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting the blondies into squares. This will prevent the glaze from smearing when you cut them.
3. Cut and Serve: Cut the blondies into squares and serve. These strawberry lemon blondies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to getting that delicious strawberry flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used, but they may release more moisture and affect the texture of the blondies. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough blondies. Mix until the flour streaks disappear, but don’t worry about a few small lumps.
• Bake in a Light-Colored Pan: A light-colored baking pan will help the blondies bake evenly and prevent the edges from browning too quickly.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting the blondies while they’re still warm will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.
• Add a Pinch of Salt to the Glaze: A pinch of salt to the glaze will help balance the sweetness and enhance the lemon flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.

Variations:

• Raspberry Lemon Blondies: Substitute raspberries for the strawberries.
• Blueberry Lemon Blondies: Substitute blueberries for the strawberries.
• White Chocolate Chip Blondies: Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips to the batter.
• Nutella Swirl Blondies: Swirl Nutella into the batter before baking.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Lemon Blondies! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. They’re perfect for a summer picnic, a potluck, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The combination of strawberries and lemon is so refreshing and delicious, and the chewy texture of the blondies is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that because I created it! The combination of the sweet, juicy strawberries with the bright, tangy lemon creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and refreshing. The chewy, fudgy texture of the blondie itself is the perfect canvas for these vibrant flavors, making each bite an absolute delight. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, look no further.

But what truly sets these blondies apart is their versatility. While they’re absolutely divine on their own, warm from the oven, they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Imagine that: a warm, gooey blondie melting into cold, creamy ice cream – pure bliss! For a more sophisticated touch, try serving them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. The possibilities are endless!

And speaking of possibilities, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of strawberries, try substituting them with raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries. Each berry will bring its own unique flavor profile to the blondies, creating a whole new taste sensation. You could also add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a subtle crunch.

Another fun variation is to add a lemon glaze on top. Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a little bit of lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cooled blondies. This will add an extra layer of lemon flavor and make them even more visually appealing.

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a summer picnic, a birthday party, or simply a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re also incredibly easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks and bake sales. Plus, they’re so pretty to look at, they’ll instantly brighten up any dessert table.

I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of biting into one of these delicious blondies. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, chewy and fudgy, and they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and share ideas.

And don’t forget to share your creations on social media! Tag me in your photos and use the hashtag #StrawberryLemonBlondies so I can see your beautiful blondies. I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on the recipe.

So go ahead, give these Strawberry Lemon Blondies a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy baking!