Strawberry Lemon Blondies - beesrecipes A Delightful Dessert

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Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe: A Delightful Dessert with a Burst of Citrus and Berry

Introduction

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries, resulting in a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The buttery, dense texture of blondies pairs beautifully with the tartness of lemon and the freshness of strawberries, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something to bring to a gathering or simply want a sweet treat at home, these blondies will hit the spot. This recipe is ideal for any baking enthusiast, regardless of skill level, and is a fun twist on the traditional blondie. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time!

What is this recipe?

Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a rich, dense dessert bar similar to brownies, but without the cocoa. Instead, they feature a bright and refreshing blend of lemon zest, fresh strawberries, and a sweet glaze. The base is buttery, and the addition of lemon and strawberry elevates the flavors, making this a perfect summer or spring dessert. You’ll love the way the tang of lemon complements the sweetness of strawberries in every bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 12 blondies

Ingredients:

For the Blondies:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (or ¼ cup strawberry purée)
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons strawberry purée (optional for pink glaze)

Directions:

Prepare the Blondie Batter:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract, and continue mixing until well combined. The lemon juice adds a bright citrusy flavor, while the zest and extract enhance the lemony essence, making these blondies irresistibly tangy.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just mixed. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tougher blondies. Gently fold in the diced strawberries or strawberry purée, distributing the strawberry goodness evenly throughout the batter.

Bake the Blondies:
Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly golden while the center remains soft and chewy. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before applying the glaze.
Make the Lemon Glaze:
While the blondies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. For an extra pop of color and flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of strawberry purée to create a pink glaze with a fruity twist. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a bit more lemon juice.
Glaze and Serve:
Once the blondies are cool, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before cutting the blondies into squares. For a decorative touch, garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh strawberry slices.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 125mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tangy and Sweet Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and strawberries brings a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Simple and Quick to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a quick dessert fix or when you’re entertaining guests.
Versatile and Customizable: You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, or even use strawberry jam for a more intense flavor. You can adjust the quantity of lemon juice and zest to match your personal taste preferences.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. You can also substitute lemon zest with lemon extract for a more intense citrus flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe, but frozen strawberries can also be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter. If you prefer, use strawberry jam or strawberry powder for a different texture.
Butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter to control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt.

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overbake: To keep the blondies soft and chewy, be sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft. Overbaking can make them dry.
Chill the Blondies Before Serving: For a cleaner cut and to enhance the flavor, refrigerate the blondies for 30 minutes after glazing. This will also help set the glaze more firmly.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these blondies gluten-free. They will still turn out deliciously dense and flavorful!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The lemon glaze helps to keep the blondies moist for longer.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the blondies individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Dessert Platter: Serve these strawberry lemon blondies alongside other citrus-based desserts like lemon bars or lemon meringue pie for a zesty dessert buffet.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair the blondies with fresh strawberries or a mixed berry salad to enhance the fruity flavors.
Afternoon Tea: These blondies are perfect for serving with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The tanginess of the lemon and sweetness of the strawberries make them an ideal complement to any tea party or casual afternoon snack.

You’ll Also Love

Lemon Blueberry Blondies: A similar blondie recipe that swaps out strawberries for juicy blueberries and offers a delicious twist with the same tangy lemon flavor.
Strawberry Lemonade Bars: If you love the strawberry-lemon combination, try these bars that mix lemonade and fresh strawberry flavors in a delightful, tangy square.
Lemon Drizzle Cake: For a more classic lemon dessert, this lemon drizzle cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a zesty glaze. A perfect tea-time treat!
Air Fryer Lemon Bars: Want a quick lemon treat? Try making lemon bars in your air fryer. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!

Conclusion

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a balance of tangy and sweet flavors in their desserts. The perfect combination of buttery blondie base with the freshness of strawberries and the zing of lemon creates a dessert that is light yet indulgent. With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, and a quick preparation process, this recipe is great for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet treat, these blondies are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and brighten up your dessert menu with a burst of lemon and strawberry flavors!

Give it a try, and enjoy the bright, fruity flavors of these Strawberry Lemon Blondies! Perfect as a refreshing treat to brighten your day or to share with friends at your next gathering. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique twist on this delightful, zesty dessert!