Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the delightful combination of strawberries and lemons! When I first whipped up these Strawberry Lemon Blondies, I was blown away by how the sweet strawberries dance harmoniously with the zesty lemon. It’s like a sunny day in dessert form! I remember bringing a batch to a picnic last summer, and they disappeared faster than I could say “blondie.” Everyone raved about the bright flavors and the chewy texture, which made me feel like a baking rock star! The best part? They’re super easy to make, so you can whip them up for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
How to Prepare Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want those blondies to bake evenly and come out just right. While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure those blondies slide right out when they’re done. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix them together until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined. I love this part because the mixture starts to look glossy and delicious already—so tempting!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, you’ll want to mix your dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a gentle whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step helps avoid any clumps and ensures the blondies bake perfectly. Once that’s done, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together!
Folding in Fresh Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—adding the fresh flavors! Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix; just stir until you see no dry flour. Then, gently fold in the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This is where the magic happens! You’ll get those beautiful pops of pink and yellow throughout the batter. Just be gentle; we want those strawberries to stay intact!
Baking the Blondies
Pour the batter into your greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time is key, as it helps them set perfectly before you cut into those gooey squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for any skill level!
- Bright, tangy flavors that balance beautifully with sweetness.
- Perfectly chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in.
- Can be made ahead and stored for later indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect from each delicious blondie:
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
This sweet treat is not just a delight for your taste buds but also a fun indulgence to enjoy in moderation! Perfect for sharing, but don’t be surprised if you end up keeping a few for yourself!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can work beautifully in these Strawberry Lemon Blondies. Just make sure to thaw them first and gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This will help keep your blondies from becoming too soggy. You might also want to chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the batter. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your blondies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up—nobody wants a soggy blondie! You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I serve with these blondies?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these blondies with a dollop of whipped cream on top for that lovely creamy contrast. You could also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. Drizzling a bit of lemon glaze over the top adds an extra zing that complements the blondies perfectly. Fresh berries on the side make for a beautiful presentation and a refreshing bite. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite toppings!
Tips for Success
To make the best Strawberry Lemon Blondies, here are a few handy tips! First, be sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can make them dense. I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Also, don’t skip on the lemon zest—it adds such a bright flavor that really elevates the blondies! When folding in the strawberries, do it gently to keep them intact and juicy. Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting; this helps them set and makes for cleaner squares. Happy baking!
Variations
- Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of your favorite berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. They’ll add a delightful pop of color and flavor!
- Peachy Keen: Fresh peaches can be a fantastic substitute for strawberries. Just chop them up and fold them in for a sweet, summery twist.
- Coconut Bliss: Add in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair! The coconut pairs beautifully with the lemon and creates a nice texture.
- Nutty Delight: For a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely contrast to the chewy blondies.
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that balances the tartness of the lemon perfectly. Who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
- Lemon Lavender: For a floral note, try adding a teaspoon of culinary lavender along with the lemon zest. It’s fragrant and oh-so-elegant!
Strawberry Lemon Blondies: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry lemon blondies that are sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try using frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.
- Can be served with whipped cream on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Strawberry Lemon Blondies, dessert, blondies, baking