Name: Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice; 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup diced fresh strawberries; 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (just enough to thin the glaze)

Introduction to Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When you need a delicious, fruity dessert to brighten your day, strawberry lemon blondies are the perfect choice. These delightful treats combine the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty essence of fresh lemons, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. The sunny flavor profile makes them a fantastic dessert for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or simply to enjoy at home with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why Choose Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

Choosing strawberry lemon blondies over traditional brownies is a game-changer. For one, blondies offer a rich, buttery flavor that's a drizzled twist on their chocolate counterparts. They’re incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt the recipe by swapping in other fruits like blueberries or peaches. Plus, they’re quick to make, requiring minimal prep time while still producing a show-stopping dessert.

What’s more, they’re visually stunning! Picture a golden, moist blondie topped with a glossy glaze and speckled with fresh strawberry bits, making them irresistible at any gathering. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let's dive into the simple yet satisfying recipe below!

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Essential ingredients for the blondies

To whip up a delightful batch of strawberry lemon blondies, you'll need the following essential ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter – make sure it's at room temperature for easy creaming.
¾ cup sugar – granulated sugar works perfectly here to add the right sweetness.
1 large egg – this binds everything together!
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice – the star that gives these blondies their zing.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – the base for your blondies.
½ teaspoon baking powder – for that lovely rise.
½ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavor.
1 cup diced fresh strawberries – opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for a burst of flavor.

For the best strawberries, consider checking out local farmers' markets or grocery stores to find the freshest produce.

Ingredients for the glaze

To finish off these delightful blondies, don’t forget the glaze! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup powdered sugar – measure it out before sifting to get an accurate amount.
1 tablespoon strawberry puree – you can make this from about 2 large strawberries.
Lemon juice – about 1 Tbsp, just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency.

This glaze adds a beautiful shine and a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the strawberry lemon blondies. Trust me, you won't want to skip this step!

Step-by-step preparation of Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Before you dive into mixing your ingredients, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step not only saves time later, but it also ensures that your strawberry lemon blondies bake evenly. Once your oven is heating up, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift your blondies out after baking — a little pro tip that makes glazing and slicing a breeze!

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when it looks creamy and has a slight increase in volume. The air you incorporate here helps create that soft texture we all love in blondies!

Step 3: Incorporate the egg and lemon juice
Next, add in a large egg and ¼ cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your buttery sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated. Don't worry if the lemon juice doesn’t blend in completely at this point — it will all come together in the end. If you don’t have fresh lemons, I recommend using bottled lemon juice for consistent flavors.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Once combined, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix, or your blondies might become tough. We like them soft and chewy!

Step 5: Fold in the strawberries and spread in the pan
Now comes the fun part! Dice 1 cup of fresh strawberries and gently fold them into your batter. This is where you’ll really start to smell that incredible strawberry-lemon combo. Once mixed, transfer the thick batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out as evenly as possible.

Step 6: Bake and cool the blondies
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you're looking for a light golden edge and a center that’s just set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the glaze
While the blondies cool, prepare the glaze. Purée about two large strawberries in a small food processor to get 1 tablespoon of strawberry puree. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, the strawberry puree, and about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Adjust the consistency — it should be spreadable but not runny.

Step 8: Spread the glaze and set
Once the blondies are completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Let the glaze set for a bit before slicing into the delicious strawberry lemon blondies. Enjoy with friends, family, or just a quiet moment to yourself—the choice is yours!

Variations on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

If you’re looking to switch things up with your strawberry lemon blondies, consider these delightful variations!

Rhubarb Lemon Blondies

Swap out the strawberries for tart, diced rhubarb for a refreshing twist. The rhubarb's tangy flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of the blondies. Simply use a 1:1 substitution, and you’ll have a new favorite treat! For those unfamiliar with rhubarb, you can often find it fresh in spring or check your local store’s frozen section.

Blueberry Lemon Blondies

Feeling a bit fruity? Replace the strawberries with fresh blueberries! Their juiciness and vibrant color add a lovely visual appeal. Use the same amount of blueberries as you would strawberries, and enjoy a new flavor profile that’s just as satisfying. If you love blueberries, you might enjoy checking out Farmers’ Almanac for berry-picking tips and recipes!

Experimenting with these variations is a fun way to keep your blondie recipes fresh and exciting. Happy baking!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Tips for Measuring Ingredients

Accurate ingredient measurement is key to baking success! When measuring flour for your strawberry lemon blondies, first fluff it with a fork, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour, as this can lead to dense blondies.

Best Practices for Baking Blondies

For perfectly baked blondies, preheat your oven and keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time—they should be lightly golden at the edges and just set in the center. If you're unsure, a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. After baking, always let them cool completely before adding the glaze, ensuring a beautiful finish. For more tips, check out Baking 101 for additional resources!

Serving suggestions for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Perfect pairings for the blondies

These strawberry lemon blondies are a delightful treat on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with complementary flavors. Consider serving them alongside:

Homemade whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Fresh fruit salad, which enhances the fruity goodness and adds a refreshing crunch.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
A side of tea or iced herbal beverages, as the citrus notes pair beautifully.

These options elevate the taste experience and make your dessert table feel festive!

Presentation tips

To make your strawberry lemon blondies truly pop, consider these fun presentation ideas:

Cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful presentation.
Drizzle extra strawberry puree or lemon glaze over the top for a colorful touch.
Plate them elegantly with a few whole strawberries on the side.
Use parchment paper liners in individual servings for style and easy cleanup.

Impress your friends and family with these thoughtful details, ensuring every bite is visually enticing!

Time Breakdown for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Preparation Time
Get ready for a baking adventure! You’ll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix everything together. This is a great time to channel your inner chef.

Baking Time
Once your batter is in the oven, kick back for 30-35 minutes while the magic happens. Just don’t wander too far—keep an eye out for that golden edge!

Total Time
All in all, you can expect to invest around 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a small commitment for such delicious, zesty strawberry lemon blondies! Perfect for your next gathering!

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When it comes to enjoying a sweet treat, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you indulge mindfully. Here’s what to expect from these delectable strawberry lemon blondies:

Calories

Each blondie contains approximately 319 calories, making it a satisfying dessert without going overboard.

Sugar

With about 23 grams of sugar, these blondies bring the perfect balance of sweetness, thanks to the natural flavors of strawberries and the powdered sugar glaze.

Protein

Packed with around 3 grams of protein, these blondies provide a small but worthwhile protein boost, especially when paired with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.

Enjoying desserts like strawberry lemon blondies is all about balance, so treat yourself while being mindful of your choices!

FAQ about Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Can I substitute the strawberries?

Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t your favorite or aren’t in season, feel free to swap them out. Diced blueberries, raspberries, or even rhubarb can make fantastic alternatives. You can also create a delightful mix by combining several fruits. Just keep in mind that different fruits may slightly alter the texture and flavor, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

How do I store the blondies?

To ensure your strawberry lemon blondies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them, which can extend their shelf life to about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

What's the best way to serve them?

These strawberry lemon blondies are delicious at room temperature, but a warm blondie paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience! Drizzle a little extra glaze on top for added sweetness, or dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Conclusion on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Indulging in strawberry lemon blondies is a delightful way to embrace spring flavors. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, brightening any occasion. Bake a batch today, and enjoy them warm, chilled, or glazed with a zesty finish. You’ll find they disappear quickly—so be prepared to share!