If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the zesty brightness of lemons, look no further than these Strawberry Lemon Blondies. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a batch of soft, chewy blondies that are bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or as an everyday treat, these blondies are sure to please both kids and adults alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time. The vivid colors and refreshing taste make them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re enjoying them at a picnic or serving them at a family dinner, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use melted unsalted butter for richness; it enhances the overall flavor of the blondies.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth; light or dark both work well in this recipe.
- <strong granulated sugar: A bit of granulated sugar balances the sweetness; use it alongside brown sugar for optimal results.
- Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest brings a bright citrus flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acidity; it’s essential to enhance the overall flavor profile of the blondies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour forms the base; measure accurately to avoid dense blondies.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your blondies rise evenly; do not skip this ingredient.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors in baked goods; it balances the sweetness of the sugars.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries chopped into small pieces; they add natural sweetness and texture to each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure not to mash them too much—keeping some pieces whole adds great texture.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Transfer to plates and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries that are ripe but firm; they provide optimal flavor without becoming mushy during baking.
- Lemon Freshness: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled varieties for superior taste.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Add Nuts if Desired: For added crunch, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with strawberries.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow enough cooling time before cutting—the blondies will firm up as they cool.
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How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies
This Strawberry Lemon Blondies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and subtle flavor of vanilla ice cream create a delightful contrast to the tangy lemon and sweet strawberries.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream enhances the sweetness and adds a light, airy element to each bite.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh berries complements the flavors in the blondies and adds a burst of freshness to your dessert plate.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter for Strawberry Lemon Blondies up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before pouring it into the baking pan.
- Storing: Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. Ensure they are wrapped well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat Strawberry Lemon Blondies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them in a baking dish covered with aluminum foil and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
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Suggestions for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Avoid Overmixing Your Batter
One common mistake when making strawberry lemon blondies is overmixing the batter. When you overmix, you can incorporate too much air, which leads to a dense texture rather than the light and chewy consistency you desire. To avoid this, mix your ingredients until just combined. If you see some flour streaks or small lumps, that’s perfectly fine! The key is to stop mixing as soon as everything comes together. This simple step will ensure your blondies turn out soft and delightful.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
Selecting the right strawberries is crucial for your strawberry lemon blondies. Fresh, ripe strawberries bring out the best flavors in your dessert. Look for berries that are bright red and firm to the touch, avoiding those that show signs of bruising or mold. Using frozen strawberries is an option too, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly to prevent excess moisture in your batter. The right strawberries will not only enhance the taste but also add a beautiful pop of color to your blondies.
Not Prepping Your Baking Dish Correctly
Another mistake to avoid is not properly preparing your baking dish. A well-greased dish or parchment paper ensures easy removal of your strawberry lemon blondies once baked. Greasing the pan with butter or non-stick spray will help create a non-stick surface, preventing any sticking issues. If you opt for parchment paper, make sure it hangs over the edges slightly; this allows for easy lifting out of the blondies after baking. Proper preparation guarantees a perfect presentation and makes serving a breeze.
Skipping the Cooling Time
Many bakers rush the cooling process after their strawberry lemon blondies come out of the oven. It’s tempting to dive right in, but skipping this step can lead to a gooey mess instead of clean slices. Allow your blondies to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack or cutting them directly in the pan. This cooling time helps them firm up and set properly, ensuring you achieve those neat squares perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.
FAQs
What are Strawberry Lemon Blondies?
Strawberry lemon blondies are delicious dessert bars that blend sweet strawberries with zesty lemon flavor in a buttery base similar to brownies, but without chocolate. They typically feature brown sugar, which gives them a rich caramel-like flavor alongside fresh strawberries and lemon zest. These treats offer a delightful balance between sweetness and tartness, making them a popular choice during warmer months when strawberries are in season.
How do I store Strawberry Lemon Blondies?
To store strawberry lemon blondies properly, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for about a week if you want them to stay fresh longer. If you prefer freezing them, slice your cooled blondies and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to three months frozen.
Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! While strawberries are lovely in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches if you’d like to change things up! Just ensure that any substituted fruit has similar moisture content so it won’t affect the texture of your blonde base too much. Each fruit will provide its unique flavor profile while still maintaining that delightful combination of sweetness and tartness found in strawberry lemon blondies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Certainly! To make gluten-free strawberry lemon blondies, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Many blends work well as one-for-one substitutes; however, check specific recommendations based on the brand being used for best results. Additionally, keep an eye on baking times since gluten-free flours can sometimes result in slight variations during baking compared to conventional flour mixes.
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Conclusion for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Strawberry lemon blondies combine vibrant flavors with ease of preparation, making them an ideal treat year-round. By avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing and not prepping your baking dish correctly, you can elevate these bars from good to fantastic! Remember to select ripe strawberries and allow adequate cooling time before slicing into delicious squares. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy these delightful desserts well beyond their initial bake day. Whether you serve them at gatherings or indulge yourself at home, these strawberry lemon blondies promise happiness with every bite!
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the refreshing zest of lemons. These chewy, buttery bars are easy to make and require minimal preparation, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply craving something sweet at home, these blondies will impress friends and family alike. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they not only taste great but also look stunning on any dessert table. Enjoy them on their own or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and texture.
For added crunch, consider folding in nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (60g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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