Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

Benefits and Advantages of strawberry lemon blondies

Strawberry lemon blondies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, creating a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. One of the biggest benefits is their ease of preparation, requiring simple steps and commonly found ingredients, which makes them ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.

This recipe is also a healthier twist on classic blondies, as fresh strawberries and lemon juice add vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a more nutritious dessert. The natural acidity of lemon balances the rich buttery base, giving a unique sweet-tart flavor profile that delights the palate.

Strawberry lemon blondies are also highly adaptable to various dietary preferences. You can easily modify the recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or lower in calories without sacrificing flavor or texture. Their moist and tender crumb texture makes them a crowd-pleasing option for picnics, potlucks, or everyday enjoyment.

The fusion of fruity freshness and buttery richness makes strawberry lemon blondies a standout sweet treat that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional goals.

Essential Ingredients for strawberry lemon blondies

Preparing moist and flavorful strawberry lemon blondies relies on a balanced combination of ingredients. Here’s a detailed list essential for this recipe:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature (optional for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup (about 3 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 1/4 to 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups fresh diced strawberries

For the glaze:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon fresh strawberry puree (from about 2 large strawberries) or 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adjusted to desired consistency

These ingredients come together to create a tender blondie base, enhanced with zesty citrus and fresh berry bursts. Fresh lemon zest and juice give the blondies a lively aroma, while diced strawberries add natural sweetness and moisture.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your strawberry lemon blondies

Customizing strawberry lemon blondies to fit various dietary needs is simple with these versatile substitutions:

Vegan Alternatives

Replace the egg and egg yolk with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until gelled). Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter to maintain a rich texture.

Gluten-Free Options

Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or oat flour. Some experimentation may be necessary to get the perfect texture, but these alternatives preserve the tender crumb.

Low-Calorie Sweeteners

Use erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar to reduce calorie content while keeping adequate sweetness. Adjust quantities carefully since sweetness levels vary among substitutes.

Dairy-Free Choices

Opt for plant-based butters and avoid dairy-based glaze ingredients, using almond milk or coconut milk if needed to thin the glaze.

These substitutions maintain moistness and flavor, enabling you to enjoy strawberry lemon blondies while adhering to your diet. Using fresh, ripe berries and quality lemon juice is important for the best results.

How to Prepare the Perfect strawberry lemon blondies: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to create moist and flavorful strawberry lemon blondies that are sure to impress.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 to 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sift if desired to avoid lumps.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) with 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Add eggs: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk (optional for richness), mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Incorporate lemon: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet, stirring gently until no flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep blondies tender.
7. Fold in strawberries: Lightly toss 1 to 1 1/4 cups diced fresh strawberries in a little flour to prevent sinking, then fold gently into the batter.
8. Prepare for baking: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and optionally press a few strawberry slices on top for visual appeal.
9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on pan size and oven. For a 9×9-inch pan, 45 minutes is typical. The blondies are done when edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Cool: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to avoid melting the topping.
11. Prepare the glaze: Puree about 2 large fresh strawberries and strain to get 1 tablespoon of puree or use 1 tablespoon strawberry jam. Whisk with 1 to 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adjusting thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed until smooth.
12. Finish with glaze: Spread glaze evenly over the cooled blondies and let set before slicing into bars.

By following these steps carefully and using fresh ingredients, you’ll enjoy strawberry lemon blondies that balance fruity brightness with buttery richness in every bite.

For additional baking tips and tricks, check our handy guides on creating moist desserts and perfect glazing techniques.

Mastering strawberry lemon blondies: Advanced Tips and Variations

To achieve the perfect strawberry lemon blondies, starting with room temperature ingredients is key. This ensures even mixing and creates a tender crumb texture. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before baking allows flavors to meld, enhancing both strawberry sweetness and lemon zest brightness.

For a desirable crust, sprinkle coarse sugar or lemon sugar atop the batter before placing it in the oven. This gives the blondies a subtle sugary crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior. Adding white chocolate chips or crushed pistachios introduces additional texture and complementary flavors that elevate each bite.

If you prefer a more pronounced citrus profile, increase the amount of lemon zest or finish the blondies with a drizzle of lemon glaze after baking. For an intensified strawberry flavor without extra moisture, try folding in freeze-dried strawberries they maintain the fruity burst and prevent sogginess.

Using parchment paper to line your baking pan not only simplifies removal but also gives a clean presentation with perfect edges.

These tips expand your options, allowing you to customize the quick strawberry lemon blondies recipe according to your taste and occasion, while maintaining the signature balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

How to Store strawberry lemon blondies: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to keep strawberry lemon blondies fresh, moist, and flavorful for days after baking.

• Short-term storage: Keep blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves the moist texture from fresh strawberries and lemon juice.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. This helps maintain the fruity flavors and slightly denser texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months for best taste.
• Thawing and reheating: Thaw frozen blondies overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or heat briefly in the microwave for softness without drying out.

Proper wrapping and airtight storage are key to preventing moisture loss and maintaining the refreshing strawberry and lemon notes.

Nutritional Value of strawberry lemon blondies

Strawberry lemon blondies offer a satisfying treat with a balanced nutritional profile, providing moderate calories and key nutrients.

Adjustments such as using lower sugar or plant-based butter reduce calories and saturated fat, if desired. The fresh fruit components increase vitamin C content, making these blondies a more nourishing choice compared to typical desserts.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About strawberry lemon blondies

Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

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🍓 Enjoy the delightful blend of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon in these moist and flavorful blondies.
🍋 Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars are topped with a sweet and tangy glaze for a refreshing treat.

• Total Time: 40-60 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature (optional for extra richness)
1/4 cup (about 3 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 1/4 to 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/4 cups fresh diced strawberries
1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon fresh strawberry puree (from about 2 large strawberries) or 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adjusted to desired consistency

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Beat in the egg (and egg yolk, if using), then mix in lemon juice and lemon zest until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder (or baking soda), and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep blondies tender.
5. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, tossing them lightly in flour beforehand can help prevent sinking.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Optionally, press a few strawberry slices on top for presentation.
7. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes—depending on pan size and oven—until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. For a 9×9 inch pan, closer to 45 minutes; for a 9×13 inch pan, reduce baking time accordingly.
8. Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
9. For the glaze, puree fresh strawberries and strain to get about 1 tablespoon of puree (or use strawberry jam), then whisk together with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies and let set before slicing.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍓 Use fresh, ripe strawberries diced rather than frozen to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.
🍋 Thin-skinned lemons yield more juice and a brighter flavor.
🕐 Avoid overbaking to maintain moist and chewy texture; baking until the toothpick has moist crumbs is ideal.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooling: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 319-484 kcal
• Sugar: 23-44 g
• Sodium: 105-220 mg
• Fat: 16-21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10-13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: Varies
• Trans Fat: None
• Carbohydrates: 42-71 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3-4 g
• Cholesterol: 54-72 mg