Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a zesty lemon twist. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from spring picnics to birthday celebrations. Their vibrant color and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these blondies come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon creates a refreshing taste that will brighten your day.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, these bars can be enjoyed at parties, gatherings, or just as an everyday treat.
• Beautiful Presentation: The lovely pink hue of the strawberry bars makes them visually appealing, making them a great choice for special events.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these blondies are easy to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Small food processor

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch square baking pan: This size ensures even baking and allows the blondies to rise perfectly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps in achieving a light and fluffy batter by properly creaming the butter and sugar.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in ingredients gently without overmixing.

Ingredients

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are pretty in pink strawberry bars with a sweetly tart flavor and a soft melt in your mouth texture!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
– 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (measure out your sugar before sifting.)
– 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (you’ll need about 2 large strawberries, instructions below.)
– lemon juice (about 1 Tbsp, or just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency)

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. This is an important step to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you lift out the blondies later for easy slicing.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, beat in one large egg until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice

Once the egg is mixed in, pour in the fresh squeezed lemon juice. It may not fully incorporate yet; that’s perfectly fine!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until no dry flour remains.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in one cup of diced fresh strawberries using a rubber spatula. Spread this thick mixture evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes until slightly golden around the edges. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out moist but not wet.

Step 8: Prepare Strawberry Glaze

For the glaze, trim two large strawberries and puree them in a small food processor. Strain through a strainer to get one tablespoon of puree. Mix this with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze Your Blondies

Spread the glaze over cooled blondies once they have completely cooled down on a rack. Allow it to set before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Lemon Blondies!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your blondie experience.

Serve with Fresh Berries

• Top the blondies with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added freshness and color.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sweet-tart flavor of the blondies and adds a creamy texture that everyone loves.

Drizzle with Extra Glaze

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle more of the strawberry glaze over each slice before serving.

Add Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream makes a perfect topping for these blondies. Consider adding a hint of lemon zest for a zesty twist.

Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal of your dessert.

Serve Warm

• For an irresistible experience, serve the blondies warm right out of the oven. The gooey texture is simply heavenly!

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Achieving the perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your blondies come out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry flour remains to keep them tender.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they’re done; it should come out moist but not wet. Avoid over-baking.

• Let Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bars.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are versatile and can be enjoyed with various side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with this delightful dessert.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits that complements the flavors of strawberry and lemon perfectly.

2. Lemonade: Homemade lemonade adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the blondies beautifully.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses pairs wonderfully, offering a savory contrast to the sweet bars.

4. Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea provides a refreshing cleanse after enjoying sweet treats like these blondies.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that adds creaminess and crunch.

6. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats enhance the strawberry flavor while adding a rich chocolatey touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemon Blondies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can make it difficult to remove the blondies after baking. Use parchment paper for easy lifting and slicing.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Not measuring strawberries correctly: Using too many or too few strawberries can affect the flavor and texture. Always measure your strawberries after dicing for accuracy.

• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can dry out your blondies. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be golden around the edges but still moist in the center.

• Forgetting to cool before glazing: Applying glaze on warm blondies can cause it to melt away. Make sure to let them cool completely before glazing for a beautiful finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Blondies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat for about 15-20 seconds on medium power; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Lemon Blondies different from regular blondies?

Strawberry Lemon Blondies incorporate fresh strawberries and lemon juice, giving them a unique sweet-tart flavor compared to traditional blondies which are typically more buttery and sweet.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know when my Strawberry Lemon Blondies are done?

The blondies are done when they start turning golden around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out moist but not wet.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute with lime juice or even apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. However, it may alter the taste slightly from traditional Strawberry Lemon Blondies.

How can I customize my Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

Feel free to add white chocolate chips or nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor variations that complement the strawberry and lemon.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture makes them a favorite at gatherings or as a special treat at home. You can also customize these blondies by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a go-to dessert!