Strawberry Lemon Blondies: A Bright & Chewy Dessert

Oh, my dears, there’s a certain magic that happens when sweet, sun-kissed strawberries meet the zesty bright kiss of lemon. These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are precisely that kind of magic! They capture the essence of a warm, joyful afternoon – chewy, bursting with fruit, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. It’s a classic combination that always brings smiles, reminding us that the simplest treats can be the most memorable.

I remember countless childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of vanilla and baking fruit. We’d experiment with whatever berries were in season, often adding a squeeze of lemon just “to make it sing,” as she’d say. This recipe evokes those cherished moments, a sweet whisper of nostalgia with every bite. It’s a treat born from a love for home baking and sharing.

This recipe for Strawberry Lemon Blondies isn’t just utterly delicious; it’s wonderfully straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. My top tip for these is always to use fresh lemon zest; it makes all the difference in brightening the flavors!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful blondies relies on a few pantry staples, but the stars are truly the fresh strawberries and bright lemon zest that infuse every bite with summer sunshine. I always believe that using fresh ingredients, especially good quality butter and real vanilla extract, elevates a dessert from good to truly unforgettable. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements for these Strawberry Lemon Blondies in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Creating these Strawberry Lemon Blondies is a journey of simple, joyful steps. We’ll start by whisking together the wet ingredients, fold in the dry, and then gently incorporate those vibrant strawberries before baking until golden and chewy. Finally, a light lemon glaze adds that extra touch of sparkle and tang, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special.

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

These delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a chewy texture and bursts of fresh fruit. A sunny treat ideal for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 24 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• 1 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp lemon zest from 2-3 lemons
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries finely diced

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 tsp milk or water for thinning, if needed

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Microplane or citrus zester

Method

 

Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the blondies out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until well combined and smooth.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest until just combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Assemble the Blondies

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
2. Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula.

Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Do not overbake to keep them fudgy.
2. Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to lift them out or cut them. This allows them to set properly.

Prepare and Apply Glaze (Optional)

1. While the blondies cool, if using, prepare the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add milk or water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
2. Once the blondies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
3. Lift the blondies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 24 squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with a few extra tiny diced strawberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making This Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Getting the perfect texture and flavor for your Strawberry Lemon Blondies is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. These aren’t just steps; they’re whispers of wisdom from my grandmother’s kitchen, ensuring your blondies turn out perfectly every time.

First, don’t skimp on creaming your butter and sugars! This isn’t just about mixing; it’s about incorporating air, which gives your blondies that wonderfully light yet chewy texture. I always let it go for a good 2-3 minutes until it’s truly light and fluffy.

My Secret Trick: When adding the fresh strawberries, I always toss them lightly with a tablespoon of flour first. This little coating helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your blondie batter, ensuring you get those beautiful pops of fruit distributed evenly throughout.

For that vibrant lemon flavor, make sure to zest your lemon before you juice it! It’s much easier that way, and I find rubbing the zest into the granulated sugar for a minute or two before adding the butter helps release even more of those fragrant oils, truly infusing the Strawberry Lemon Blondies with sunny goodness.

Lastly, resist the urge to overbake! Blondies, much like brownies, are best when they are just set in the center. An extra minute or two can turn them from perfectly chewy to dry. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Fun Variations for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Baking is all about creativity and making a recipe your own, and these Strawberry Lemon Blondies are wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add your unique touch or cater to different tastes, just like I do when friends visit.

• Berry Medley Magic: While strawberries are divine, try swapping half of them for raspberries or blueberries. My sister always asks me to swirl in a bit of raspberry jam along with the fresh berries for an extra layer of fruity delight.
• White Chocolate Dreams: For a richer, sweeter twist, fold in a handful of white chocolate chips when you add the strawberries. The creamy white chocolate melts beautifully with the tartness of the lemon and strawberries.
• Herbaceous Hint: For a sophisticated touch, finely chop a teaspoon of fresh thyme or basil and add it to the wet ingredients. It sounds unusual, but the subtle herbal note complements the lemon and strawberry in these Strawberry Lemon Blondies beautifully, adding an unexpected depth.

What to Serve With Strawberry Lemon Blondies

These delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies are absolutely wonderful on their own, but sometimes a little accompaniment can elevate them to an even more special dessert experience. Think of it as creating a complete picture on your dessert table!

I love serving them simply with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, cool ice cream melts ever so slightly into the warm blondie, creating a heavenly mouthful. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!

Another lovely option is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps lightly sweetened and infused with a touch more lemon zest. It adds a lightness that complements the chewiness of the blondies perfectly. My mom always pairs them with a strong cup of Earl Grey tea in the afternoon; the citrus notes in the tea beautifully echo the lemon in the blondies. For a quick serving idea, a simple dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finish without much fuss.

How to Store Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Knowing how to properly store your Strawberry Lemon Blondies ensures that every bite stays as fresh and delicious as the first. It’s a little act of love to make sure your sweet creations last!

Countertop Storage

Once completely cooled, store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. This method keeps them wonderfully chewy.

Refrigerator Storage

If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can store the Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chill might make them a little firmer, but warming them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds brings back their soft, chewy texture beautifully.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, cut the blondies into individual squares and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven or microwave. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating brings it back to life, just like new!

Nutritional Benefits

While desserts are undoubtedly a treat for the soul, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies also offer a little goodness! The fresh strawberries are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a vibrant, healthful touch. It’s a sweet indulgence that embraces simple ingredients, proving that a dessert can be both satisfying and nourishing in its own delightful way.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Thaw them first and pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the Strawberry Lemon Blondies from becoming watery or mushy.

My blondies are too dry, what went wrong?
This usually happens from overbaking. Keep a close eye on them; blondies are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter, for perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies.

How can I make these blondies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture in these delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies.

Can I make the glaze dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the milk or water in the glaze with a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk. It works beautifully for the glaze on these Strawberry Lemon Blondies.

Conclusion

Baking, for me, has always been about more than just ingredients; it’s about connection, creativity, and the joy of sharing. These Strawberry Lemon Blondies embody all of that. They are a testament to how simple flavors can create something truly special, a bright and chewy dessert that brings smiles and creates sweet memories. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and bake a batch today. Let your kitchen fill with that wonderful aroma, and enjoy the pure delight of a homemade treat, shared with love.