If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in a dessert, then the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is your new best friend. These blondies are bursting with fresh strawberries and bright lemon flavor, wrapped up in a buttery, tender base that is seriously addictive. Imagine biting into a moist, fruity bar with a glossy strawberry-lemon glaze on top that elevates every bite. It’s a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for any season or occasion when you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in taste, texture, and color. From the creamy butter that brings richness to the fresh strawberries that add natural sweetness and juiciness, every element is chosen to create that perfect balance.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, moist base that makes blondies wonderfully tender.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens without overpowering, allowing the lemon and strawberry flavors to pop.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together and ensures just the right structure.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of the blondies, providing that classic chewy texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift, keeping the blondies light rather than dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Juicy fruit chunks that bring natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Strawberry jelly (1 tablespoon): Melted to create a glossy, flavorful drizzle that packs a fruity punch.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon for glaze): Adds zing to the strawberry frosting, keeping it bright and lively.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzling consistency.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Enhances the vibrant color of the glaze, making the blondies even more eye-catching.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over two sides. This little trick ensures you can effortlessly lift the blondies out later, keeping them intact and looking gorgeous.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Egg and Lemon Juice
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it aerates the batter for a tender crumb. Then, beat in the egg followed by the 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice. You might notice the lemon juice doesn’t fully blend right away—that’s okay! The tang will still shine through beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Strawberries
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix these dry ingredients into the wet batter until well combined. Be gentle now—fold in the diced fresh strawberries carefully to distribute the juicy bursts throughout without crushing them.
Step 4: Spread the Batter in the Dish
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and gently spread it out evenly. Make sure the batter reaches all corners for an even bake that’s golden on top and wonderfully moist inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Done
Bake your strawberry lemon blondies at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Don’t overbake to keep them soft and tender! Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, melt the strawberry jelly in short bursts in the microwave until just melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and the powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and well combined. For extra pop and presentation, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired. Then, drizzle this gorgeous glaze over the cooled blondies and let it set before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries or a zest of lemon on top of the glaze for that wow factor. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a soft, snowy finish that makes presentation feel extra special at any gathering.
Side Dishes
Strawberry lemon blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. For a lighter twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrusy salad to keep the theme bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the blondies with layers of yogurt and fresh fruit for a striking parfait. Or, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve as a sweet, tangy finger food at brunch or parties. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, keep your strawberry lemon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh without drying out, ensuring every bite tastes just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies for up to three months. Cut into bars first, then wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and refresh the glaze if needed for extra shine.
Reheating
If you want to warm your blondies, gently heat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for the best texture. Avoid overheating as this can dry them out or melt the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best because they hold their shape and provide fresh flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Why does the lemon juice not fully incorporate in the batter?
Lemon juice is liquid and will sometimes separate when mixed with fat-heavy ingredients, but don’t worry—it still perfectly infuses the batter with that bright, tangy flavor.
Is strawberry jelly necessary for the glaze?
The strawberry jelly gives the glaze a fruity depth and a smooth consistency, but you can substitute it with strawberry jam if needed—just warm it up and strain any seeds for a silky finish.
What’s the best way to dice the strawberries?
Dice the strawberries into small, even pieces about a quarter-inch in size so they distribute evenly and don’t weigh down the batter too much in any one spot.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels both cozy and vibrant, simple yet special. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a casual brunch, or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, these blondies promise smiles and satisfied taste buds. So go ahead, dive into this recipe and enjoy a sweet little moment of strawberry and lemon bliss you won’t forget!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 9.9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie bar, combining the fresh tartness of lemon with the sweet juiciness of strawberries. Soft, buttery, and bursting with fruity flavor, they are topped with a luscious strawberry-lemon glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and vibrancy. Perfect for spring and summer desserts or anytime you crave a refreshing, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (measure after dicing)
Strawberry Lemon Glaze
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jelly (not jam)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some parchment hanging over two sides to easily lift the blondies out after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and beat it in; note that the lemon juice may not fully blend with the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer and Spread Batter: Scoop the blondie batter into the prepared baking dish and gently spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the blondies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies moist and tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the strawberry jelly in 15-second increments until just melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 cup powdered sugar, whisking until the glaze is smooth. If desired, add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring to enhance the color. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Measure diced strawberries after chopping to ensure accurate quantity.
- Be careful not to overbake the blondies to maintain a moist, tender texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural lemon flavor.
- You can substitute strawberry jelly with a high-quality fruit spread if needed.
- If you prefer a more tart glaze, adjust the lemon juice quantity accordingly.
