There is something truly magical about combining the bright, zesty burst of lemon with the juicy sweetness of strawberries, and that is exactly what makes the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe such a dazzling treat. These blondies balance a tender, buttery crumb with refreshing citrus notes and bursts of fresh strawberry that sing with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dessert to brighten up your day or a fantastic crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe brings joy with every square. It’s a guaranteed way to impress friends and family with flavors that feel both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to creating these extraordinary blondies. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich butter that forms the tender base to the fresh lemon zest that adds a lively punch of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Using melted butter ensures a moist, chewy texture without any salty undertones.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness to balance the tart lemon and strawberries.
- Fresh lemon zest: This adds intense citrus aroma and flavor that really wakes up the palate.
- Fresh lemon juice: Works beautifully with the zest to infuse brightness throughout the blondies.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while lending richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting background note that complements the lemon.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these blondies their structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Fresh strawberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and moisture, they add delightful strawberry bits in every bite.
- White chocolate chips (optional): Their creamy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tart strawberries and lemon.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the edges. This simple prep step ensures your blondies will bake evenly and lift out effortlessly once they’re done.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the texture is smooth and glossy. This creates the luscious base for your blondie batter, giving it that tender, rich crumb we all love.
Step 3: Add Lemon and Eggs
Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse your blondies with that irresistible citrus pop. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. This step brings moisture and richness that’s crucial for perfect blondies.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the blondies tough, and we want them soft and tender.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and White Chocolate
Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and, if you’re using them, white chocolate chips. These add bursts of fruity sweetness and creamy richness in every bite. Be careful not to over-stir so the strawberries maintain their shape and freshness.
Step 6: Transfer and Smooth Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly using a spatula. Even thickness ensures your blondies bake uniformly and have a nice texture throughout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the blondies for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This means they’re perfectly baked—soft and chewy without being underdone.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out easily. Slice into squares and you’re ready to enjoy the sweet lemon-strawberry magic!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for a delicate, snowy finish or add a few fresh strawberry slices to enhance the fruity vibe. A light drizzle of white chocolate can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. A fresh fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea also makes a lovely accompaniment, balancing the rich and zesty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the blondies into bite-sized bars for a fun party platter, or stack a few with layers of lemon curd for a sophisticated dessert twist. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for extra comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, with those lovely lemon and strawberry notes intact.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They keep well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your blondies after storage or freezing, warm them gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back their soft, tender texture and bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries work best for maintaining texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
No problem! You can skip them or substitute with chopped white chocolate bars. If you prefer, dark or milk chocolate chips would also add a nice contrast.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon yourself for the best texture.
How tart will the blondies be?
The lemon zest and juice add a bright, refreshing tang that balances the sweetness without being overwhelmingly sour. It’s a lovely, subtle citrus note that complements the strawberries.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger baking pan or two pans to accommodate the extra batter. Keep an eye on the baking time as it might need a few extra minutes to bake through.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that combine sunshine flavors with a tender, buttery bite, you absolutely have to try the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. It’s one of those feel-good treats that never fails to bring smiles and a little slice of happiness to any day. So gather your ingredients, have fun baking, and enjoy every bright, delicious square!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blonde brownie, combining the bright freshness of lemon zest and juice with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and optional white chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, they offer a moist, tender crumb with a golden top, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal of the blondies.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for your batter.
- Add Lemon and Eggs: Add the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring thoroughly. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips if using. Be careful not to overmix to keep the strawberries intact and preserve their texture.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh strawberries adds juiciness and natural sweetness — avoid canned or frozen as they can add excess moisture.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add a nice creamy counterbalance to the tart lemon and fresh berries.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the blondies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Allow blondies to cool fully before cutting to help them set and avoid crumbling.
