Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

Benefits and Advantages of Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry lemon blondies offer the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, combining the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the bright zest of lemon. This dessert stands out for its refreshing taste, making it ideal for spring and summer gatherings. One of the key benefits is its simple preparation process, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that make it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Incorporating fresh fruit adds natural vitamins and antioxidants, giving these blondies a nutritional boost over traditional recipes that rely solely on artificial flavors.

Another advantage is the balanced flavor profile striking a delightful harmony between tartness and sweetness without becoming overly sugary. This versatility makes strawberry lemon blondies adaptable to various occasions and preferences. They can also be tailored for dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegan substitutions. Their moist, tender texture, highlighted by vibrant citrus notes, creates an irresistible treat that appeals to a wide audience.

“These blondies deliver a bright, summery flavor that refreshes the classic dessert, perfect for any season or celebration.”

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving moist, flavorful strawberry lemon blondies. You will need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature (or melted and cooled)
• 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• Optional: 1 large egg yolk, room temperature, for added richness and chewiness
• 1/4 cup to 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 1/4 to 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (approximately 280 to 295 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or combination of 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups diced fresh strawberries (about 1 cup recommended; avoid frozen unless well-drained)

This ingredient combination lays the foundation for blondies with sturdy structure, moisture, and vibrant flavor. The lemon juice and zest infuse a citrus brightness, while fresh strawberries lend natural sweetness and color.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry lemon blondies can be easily adjusted to meet various dietary needs without losing their delightful flavor or texture:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for people with gluten intolerance.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter in place of dairy butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Lower Calorie: Opt for natural sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol instead of granulated sugar, and reduce butter by partially substituting with unsweetened applesauce for moisture retention.
• Frozen Berries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries to minimize extra moisture in the batter.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder suited for baking to enrich the nutritional content, especially useful for active or diet-conscious individuals.

These substitutions keep the strawberry lemon blondies inclusive while maintaining a well-balanced flavor and appealing texture.

How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (about 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the blondies.
6. Fold in Flavors: Gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and diced strawberries for even flavor distribution without breaking the fruit.
7. Prepare to Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan using an offset spatula and smooth the top.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on pan size. The blondies are ready when edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean but slightly moist with crumbs.
9. Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing or slicing, which prevents crumbling and mess.
10. Glazing (Optional): Mix powdered sugar, strawberry puree or jam, and lemon juice to make a glaze. Adjust consistency as needed and spread evenly over cooled blondies. Let set for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Following these steps carefully results in moist, tender strawberry lemon blondies balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Mastering Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Advanced Tips and Variations

To master strawberry lemon blondies, a few advanced tips can help you achieve the perfect balance of moisture, texture, and flavor. For a brighter lemon note, increase the lemon zest by up to an additional teaspoon or add a touch of lemon extract to the batter. To create a textural contrast, fold in chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds before baking; these nuts complement the fruity tartness while adding a satisfying crunch.

For those seeking richer dessert experiences, white chocolate chips make a delightful addition, pairing beautifully with the sweet strawberries and zesty lemon. A light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can be drizzled over cooled blondies for an extra layer of tang and sweetness. To bring a subtle warmth, consider incorporating a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger into the dry ingredients.

If you prefer a twist on the fruit component, substitute the strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, which maintain the dessert’s vibrant, summery appeal. When making version changes for vegan or gluten-free diets, ensure ingredient compatibility with any nuts or chips added. These thoughtful variations allow you to customize your strawberry lemon blondies to suit your preferences, occasions, and dietary needs.

How to Store Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Best Practices

Proper storage of strawberry lemon blondies guarantees they remain moist and flavorful for as long as possible. For short-term storage, keep blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This method maintains the tender crumb without drying out the bars.

For extended freshness, refrigerate the blondies in a sealed container where they will last up to five days. Before serving cold-stored blondies, allow them to come to room temperature for optimal tenderness and flavor release.

If you wish to store these treats longer, freeze them. Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen strawberry lemon blondies maintain their quality for up to three months. To thaw, remove from the freezer and allow to sit at room temperature for a few hours, or warm gently in the microwave for a quick treat.

“Storing blondies at the right temperature and wrapping them carefully preserves their delightful balance of strawberry sweetness and lemon freshness.”

Nutritional Value of Strawberry Lemon Blondies

These strawberry lemon blondies offer a delightful treat combining carbohydrates for energy, fats for moisture and richness, and small amounts of protein. The fresh strawberries contribute vitamin C and antioxidants, while lemon juice and zest add bright vitamin C without extra calories. Adjusting butter or sugar amounts can modify fat and calorie contents for those monitoring intake. Using vegan butter or egg substitutes may reduce saturated fats and cholesterol, making them friendlier for heart health.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

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🍓 Delight in the sweet and tangy blend of strawberries and lemon for a refreshing summer dessert.
🍋 Perfect for gatherings, these blondies offer a burst of flavor with every bite, simple yet impressive.

• Total Time: 45–60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
(Optional) 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1/4 cup to 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 1/4 to 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/4 cups diced fresh strawberries
1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
About 1 tablespoon strawberry puree or 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
About 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. If using melted butter, whisk it with sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and optional extra egg yolk, followed by lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula.
7. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
9. For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, strawberry puree or jam, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
10. Spread glaze over cooled blondies and let set for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍓 Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor; avoid frozen unless drained well.
🤲 Avoid overbaking to keep blondies moist; check frequently as ovens vary.
🥣 Allow blondies to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting or sinking glaze.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 319
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg