There’s something truly uplifting about the vibrant twist of flavors in these Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies. As the fruity aroma wafts through your kitchen, you may find yourself transported to a sun-drenched picnic or a leisurely brunch with friends. The rich, chewy texture beautifully complements the zesty brightness of fresh lemons and ripe strawberries, creating a perfect balance that leaves you wanting more.
What’s even better? This delightful dessert is quick to prepare, making it an ideal antidote for those who’ve grown weary of fast food and are craving something homemade and heartwarming. With simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you’ll whip up a batch that’s not just sweet, but packs a punch of refreshing tartness, topped off with a vibrant glaze that’s as inviting as it is tasty. Dive into this recipe and discover just how easy it is to bring homemade joy to your table!
Why You’ll Love These Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Chewy Texture: These blondies offer a delightful chewiness that makes every bite satisfying.
Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon and sweet strawberries create a bright flavor profile, perfect for lifting your spirits.
Quick Prep: With only a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip these up in no time, saving you from fast food nights.
Endless Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or nuts for a unique twist, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re the perfect treat for get-togethers, guaranteed to impress friends and family alike!
Easy to Store: Keep leftovers fresh in the fridge or freeze for a future delightful dessert, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.
Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies Ingredients
• Make your baking adventure easier with these simple yet delicious ingredients!
For the Blondies
- Salted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture; no direct substitutions needed.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; can replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
- Lemon Juice – Offers the acidity that enhances flavor; fresh juice is preferred for the best taste.
- Lemon Zest – Boosts the citrus flavor without adding moisture; use zests from fresh lemons for maximum brightness.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can be swapped with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the blondies rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Diced Fresh Strawberries – Adds moisture and gives a delightful fruity flavor; feel free to swap with raspberries or blueberries for variety.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Ensures sweetness and provides that smooth finish for the glaze; no substitutions needed.
- Strawberry Jam – Enhances the flavor and consistency of the glaze; you can substitute with another fruit jam if desired.
Embrace the warmth and joy of baking these Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies—their vibrant flavors are bound to delight!
How to Make Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This will allow the blondies to come out easily without sticking!
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Cream together the softened salted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture.
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Incorporate the large egg along with the lemon juice and zest, mixing until everything is well combined. The zesty freshness should start to come through in your batter!
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Combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda gently into the mixture, mixing just until no dry bits remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
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Fold in the diced fresh strawberries with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the thick batter. This will add delightful bursts of flavor in every bite!
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top for an even bake. Don’t forget to make it nice and flat!
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edge—look for a few moist crumbs to know they’re ready. The edges should be slightly golden.
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Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry jam in a small bowl to create a luscious glaze while the blondies are baking. This will give your dessert that sweet, shiny finish!
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Cool the blondies completely in the pan before pouring the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
Optional: For a pop of color, add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the glaze before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. This keeps them fresh and moist, thanks to the delicious strawberries used in the recipe.
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Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3-4 months, perfect for when a sweet craving strikes!
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Thawing: To enjoy frozen blondies, thaw them at room temperature for an hour or reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
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Reheating: If desired, warm the blondies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back their chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies Variations
Feel free to customize these blondies to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Berry Swap: Change strawberries to raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity burst. Each fruit adds its distinct sweetness and flavor profile, giving you endless options!
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Citrus Twist: Mix lemon juice and zest with lime for a zesty fusion. This pairing brightens the flavor even more, making each bite a refreshing treat.
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Nutty Bliss: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch. The added texture complements the chewy base, creating a satisfying contrast.
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Vegan Substitute: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of a large egg. This swap keeps the blondies just as tasty without any animal products!
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Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. Enjoying these blondies gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing any flavor.
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Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the fruity glaze, opt for a drizzle of caramel for a decadently sweet twist. This change offers a rich and luxurious finish that pairs beautifully with the blondies.
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Add Spice: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic touch. These spices lend depth, transforming your blondies into cozy comfort treats.
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Choco-Drizzle: Top your blondies with a rich chocolate drizzle for added sweetness and indulgence. Chocolate and strawberries make for a classic pairing that’s always a hit!
Make Ahead Options
These Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prepare the blondie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it in an airtight container. Just remember to prevent the strawberries from getting too mushy by adding them right before baking. When you’re ready to bake, spread the chilled batter into the prepared pan and follow the baking instructions as usual. The glaze can also be made ahead; simply whisk together the ingredients and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have a delightful homemade treat at your fingertips with minimal effort when you’re ready to serve!
What to Serve with Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies?
These delicious blondies are a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of complements, making your dessert spread even more inviting.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings brightness and balances the sweetness, while refreshing your palate between bites.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy contrast that enhances the tender texture of the blondies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm blondies, creating a delightful mix of flavors and temperatures with each bite.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A glass of refreshing lemonade or iced tea can elevate your dessert experience, offering a cooling contrast to the rich blondies.
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Almonds or Pecans: Add crunch by serving these blondies alongside a handful of toasted nuts. Their nutty flavor complements the fruitiness perfectly.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the blondies can add a luxurious touch and deepen the flavor profile, pleasing any sweet tooth.
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Berry Compote: A warm berry compote drizzled on top can enhance those strawberry notes, making each bite burst with fruity goodness.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pair your blondies with a warm cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the dessert’s flavor and provide a cozy touch, perfect for afternoon treats.
Expert Tips for Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies
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Check for Doneness: Start checking your blondies at the 45-minute mark. You want them lightly golden, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
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Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and moisture control, always opt for fresh strawberries. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry to avoid excess liquid.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining your flour and baking soda, mix just until no dry bits remain. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies instead of the delightful chewiness you seek.
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Adjust Baking Time for Larger Pans: If using a 9×13 inch pan for a larger batch, check the blondies around the 30-minute mark as they may bake faster due to a thinner batter layer.
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Experiment with Glazes: Try replacing the fruity glaze with a white chocolate drizzle for an added touch of decadence. Your Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies will shine brighter!
Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for the recipe?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red and firm with a sweet aroma. Avoid those with dark spots all over, as it indicates overripeness. If you can, buy them from a local farm or farmer’s market for the freshest flavors!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
You can store your Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This will keep them fresh and moist. Be sure not to skip this step, as fresh strawberries can lead to spoilage more quickly.
Can I freeze the blondies?
Yes! Wrap your blondies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave or oven. Such a handy way to have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes!
What should I do if my blondies turn out too dry?
If your blondies end up dry, it could be due to overbaking. Always check for doneness starting at the 45-minute mark. If you want to prevent this in future batches, consider baking at a slightly lower temperature or adding a touch more diced strawberries for moisture!
Are these blondies suitable for my gluten-sensitive friends?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free, especially the baking soda!
Is there any special care needed for pets if I leave these out?
Yes, it’s always best to keep these luscious blondies away from pets. Ingredients like chocolate or excessive sugar can be harmful to them. Securely store leftovers out of reach to ensure everyone stays safe and happy!
Tasty Strawberry Lemon Blondies That Brighten Any Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened salted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the large egg along with the lemon juice and zest, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda gently into the mixture.
- Fold in the diced fresh strawberries with a spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry jam to create a glaze.
- Cool the blondies completely in the pan before pouring the glaze over the top.