Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect bright, tangy treat that bridges the gap between a blondie and a luscious lemon bar, let me introduce you to Strawberry Lemon Blondies! These bars are a riot of fresh strawberries nestled in a buttery, soft blondie, all topped with a pretty-in-pink strawberry-lemon glaze. They’re the kind of bake that will make you smile at first bite—and then immediately reach for a second piece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Strawberry Lemon Blondies is how each ingredient pulls its weight—there’s nothing superfluous here! Every item in this lineup plays a crucial part in delivering maximum flavor, moistness, and eye-catching color.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter gives the blondies their rich, creamy texture and signature soft chew.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps balance the tart lemon and strawberries.
• Egg: The lone egg acts as a binder, giving lift and lightness.
• Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Provides zingy citrus freshness and a subtle tang in both the batter and the glaze.
• All Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the blondies, giving them their bar-cookie structure.
• Baking Powder: A touch of lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to make all the flavors pop.
• Fresh Strawberries: Diced for the batter and pureed for the glaze—use berries that are fragrant and ripe for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted for silky-smooth glaze (no lumps here!).
• Lemon Juice (for glaze): Helps create the perfect pourable consistency with an extra dose of citrus sparkle.

Variations

Once you’ve made your first batch, I have a feeling you’ll want to start personalizing your Strawberry Lemon Blondies! It’s so easy to make little tweaks depending on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or your flavor cravings.

• Berry Swap: Use raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a fun twist and a new burst of flavor (or mix a few for a triple-berry version!).
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend to make them celiac-friendly.
• Extra Zesty: Add a tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest for a punchier lemon note all through the blondies and glaze.
• Dairy-Free: Swap in a good plant-based butter for an equally dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy removal later, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang the edges. This little trick makes lifting and slicing a breeze!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and sugar together until they look light and fluffy—think soft clouds! This step helps give those blondies their irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Lemon Juice

Beat in the egg until it’s fully incorporated. Next, add the fresh lemon juice. Don’t worry if it makes the batter look a little curdled—lemon juice can do that, but it will even out once you add the flour.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until you see no more pockets of flour. Avoid over-mixing to keep the blondies tender.

Step 5: Gently Fold in Strawberries

Delicately fold in the diced strawberries until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick, so take care not to smash the fruit—you want lovely little berry pockets throughout your blondies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and use an offset spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is just set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t overbake, or your blondies will lose their signature softness!

Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Glaze

While the blondies cool completely in the pan, make your glaze: Puree a couple of strawberries and strain to get a smooth, vibrant pink liquid. Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and fresh lemon juice until you have a shiny, spreadable glaze.

Step 8: Glaze & Slice

Spread the glaze evenly over cooled blondies and give it time to set (the waiting is the hardest part!). Once the glaze is firm, lift out the whole bar using the parchment “handles” and slice into 12 luscious squares. Your Strawberry Lemon Blondies are ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Garnishes

For a festive touch, top your blondies with extra diced strawberries, a little lemon zest, or even a few edible flowers right after glazing. These garnishes add bursts of color and hint at the fresh flavors within.

Side Dishes

Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies as part of a garden brunch spread alongside a fluffy fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or creamy vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with tea, sparkling lemonade, or a glass of crisp prosecco for a summertime celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the blondies into mini triangles or use a cookie cutter for sweet party bites. For dessert boards, arrange stacked squares among fresh berries and lemon wedges. Or wrap individual pieces in parchment and twine for an adorable picnic or gift box treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeks or entertaining.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled (and glazed) Strawberry Lemon Blondies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving—perfect for spontaneous cravings!

Reheating

While these blondies are scrumptious straight from the fridge, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that soft, just-baked feel. But honestly, with the juicy strawberries and bright glaze, room temp is usually perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t help but smile every time I make these Strawberry Lemon Blondies—they always bring a burst of sunshine and sweetness to any table. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a party, or just because you deserve a treat, I hope you’ll give these a try and love them as much as I do!

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