Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful fusion of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon, creating a moist and chewy dessert bar that’s perfect for any occasion. With a vibrant pink hue and a refreshing citrus flavor, these blondies are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon juice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These blondies are moist and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet treat any day of the week.
• Beautiful Presentation: The natural pink color from strawberries makes these bars stand out on any dessert table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (from about 2 large strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
   • Mix in the lemon juice; the mixture may appear slightly curdled, which is normal.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Add Strawberries:
   • Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake:
   • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice.
   • Whisk until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more sugar or juice as needed.
7. Glaze the Blondies:
   • Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top.
   • Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Berry Substitutes: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a new citrus experience.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed blondies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: These blondies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

It’s recommended to use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

What can I use if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or orange juice, keeping in mind that this will alter the flavor profile.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the blondies a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and glaze them on the day of serving for the best presentation.

How do I prevent the glaze from soaking into the blondies?

Ensure the blondies are completely cool before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze set on top rather than being absorbed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What if I don’t have a 9-inch square pan?

You can use an 8-inch square pan for thicker blondies; just increase the baking time slightly and monitor for doneness.

Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar for the glaze?

Sifting helps achieve a smooth glaze without lumps, but if you don’t have a sifter, whisking the sugar thoroughly can also work.

Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, the blondies are delicious on their own. The glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal but is optional.

How can I make the glaze more vibrant?

Adding a drop of natural red food coloring or using a more concentrated strawberry puree can enhance the pink color of the glaze.

Are these blondies suitable for children?

Yes, these blondies are kid-friendly and make a great treat for lunchboxes or parties.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the zesty flavor of lemon. Their soft, chewy texture and vibrant glaze make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these blondies are sure to impress.

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