Lemon Strawberry Blondies are a sweet, sunny dessert that mixes tart lemon and fresh strawberries in a buttery base. They’re perfect for any occasion and scream summer!
Whenever I make these, the bright flavors just make me happy. They’re chewy and fruity—who can resist that? Plus, they’re easy to whip up, which means more time to enjoy them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your dish. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil, though this might slightly change the flavor and texture.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combo of both sugars gives the blondies depth. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but note that this may affect texture.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a nice burst of flavor. If strawberries are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute with raspberries or even blueberries for a different twist!
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that zesty flavor. If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but zest is best fresh. Choose organic lemons if you can!
How Do I Ensure My Blondies are Perfectly Baked?
Baking blondies can sometimes be tricky. You want them soft yet fully cooked. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and use the correct baking pan size. An 8×8 inch pan helps ensure even baking.
- Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let them cool completely before adding glaze. This solidifies their texture and prevents sogginess.
For extra deliciousness, let the blondies sit for a few hours after glazing to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!
How to Make Delicious Lemon Strawberry Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow time for cooling and glazing, so plan for about an hour in total before you can enjoy your delicious blondies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add your melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and all the sugars are well combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, adding them one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to combine them until just incorporated.
6. Fold in Lemon and Strawberries:
Now it’s time to add some zesty flavor! Gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Blondies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Make the Glaze:
While your blondies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until it’s smooth and slightly runny.
10. Cool the Blondies:
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This step is important to ensure they hold together when you cut them!
11. Glaze the Blondies:
Once they’re cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the blondies. Let the glaze set for a little while.
12. Cut and Serve:
After the glaze has set, cut the blondies into squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful zesty sweetness of your Lemon Strawberry Blondies!
Enjoy your zesty, sweet Lemon Strawberry Blondies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the blondies from becoming too soggy.
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 measure type for the best results. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may change their texture slightly.
Can I Add Different Fruits?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to keep the balance of the batter intact.
