Name: Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
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); 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries needed); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (or just enough to thin the glaze)

Introduction to Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When the craving for something sweet meets the zest of summer, strawberry lemon blondies are the delightful result! These treats are not just blondies; they’re a celebration in every bite—perfect for gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying at home. If you’re a fan of refreshing flavors, let me guide you into why these blondies deserve a spot in your recipe collection.

Why You'll Fall in Love with Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Think about golden, chewy goodness infused with fresh strawberries and zesty lemon juice. The combination is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also visually stunning, showcasing vibrant colors that scream summer. The addition of strawberries brings natural sweetness while the lemon juice adds a refreshing twist, balancing everything perfectly. Each bite offers a unique texture and flavor that’ll make them fly off the plate!

The easy preparation means you can whip these up quickly without fuss. Plus, who can resist a glossy glaze made from real strawberry puree? This is more than a dessert; it’s your new go-to for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Try them out, and you might just find your new obsession! Curious about making them? Let’s dive into the full recipe below.

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When you're craving a slice of something sweet and tangy, these strawberry lemon blondies are just the treat you need! Let’s dive into the essential ingredients that come together to create these deliciously moist, fruity delights.

Essential ingredients for the blondies

To whip up a batch of these golden blondies, you'll need the following:

1 cup unsalted butter: Brings a rich flavor and smooth texture.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the blondies perfectly.
1 large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together.
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
1 cup diced fresh strawberries: Bursting with sweetness and freshness.

Ingredients for the delicious glaze

To top off your strawberry lemon blondies with a delightful glaze, gather these ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a lovely texture.
1 tablespoon strawberry puree: Use about 2 large strawberries to create this.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Just enough to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Ready to get baking? These ingredients promise to deliver a luscious, mouthwatering treat!

Step-by-step preparation of Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Baking strawberry lemon blondies is an absolute delight and quite straightforward! Let’s walk through the process together for a treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Get ready with your ingredients

Before diving into the mixing, gather all the ingredients in one place. For the blondies, you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup diced fresh strawberries

And for the glaze, have on hand:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon strawberry puree (you’ll need about 2 large strawberries for this)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper (for easy removal later) comes next.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into your batter, ensuring a delightful texture in your strawberry lemon blondies.

Incorporate the egg and lemon juice

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, crack in that large egg and mix until fully incorporated. Then add the fresh lemon juice. You’ll notice it may not mix in entirely at this point — that’s perfectly fine!

Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until there are no dry flour pockets.

Fold in fresh strawberries

Gently fold in your diced strawberries using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, or you might break down those beautiful berries! Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Bake the blondies to perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you're looking for a light golden edge and a center that’s set (a toothpick should come out moist but not wet). Once baked, let the blondies cool on a rack.

Prepare the glaze while blondies cool

While your strawberry lemon blondies are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. Trim your extra strawberries and puree them in a small food processor until smooth, straining to get 1 Tbsp. Combine the puree with the sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice. Adjust the consistency if needed.

Glaze and slice your blondies

Once the blondies are cool, generously spread the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing. When ready to serve, cutting into squares will reveal that lovely, fruity, lemony goodness inside!

Enjoy your delicious batch of strawberry lemon blondies! Perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. This recipe not only showcases fresh ingredients but also brings a burst of spring to any table. Don't forget to look at this guide on how to properly prepare strawberries for your baking adventures. Happy baking!

Variations on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry lemon blondies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix things up based on your taste or seasonal ingredients.

Substitute Strawberries with Raspberries or Blueberries

Why not try swapping out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries? These berries will bring a unique flavor profile to your blondies, adding a delightful tartness and vibrant color that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

Combine Strawberries with Rhubarb for a Tart Twist

If you’re feeling adventurous, combine strawberries with rhubarb for a fresh, tangy twist. The sweetness of the strawberries balances the tartness of rhubarb, creating a dynamic flavor that elevates your blondies. Not only does this combo taste amazing, but it also celebrates seasonal produce beautifully!

With these variations, your strawberry lemon blondies can be tailored to your cravings, so get creative!

Baking notes for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Tips for accurately measuring flour

To ensure your strawberry lemon blondies come out perfectly, measuring flour accurately is key. Start by fluffing the flour in its container with a spoon to aerate it. Then, gently scoop it into your measuring cup without packing it down. Finally, level it off with a straight edge. This method helps prevent dense and dry blondies.

Adjusting the glaze consistency

For a luscious glaze on your strawberry lemon blondies, whisk together sifted powdered sugar with strawberry puree and lemon juice. If it’s too thick, just add a little more lemon juice; too thin? Sprinkle in more powdered sugar! A quick test by spooning a bit of glaze on the blondies can help you find the perfect balance. For more on glazing techniques, check out this helpful guide.

Serving suggestions for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Perfect pairings with tea or coffee

These delightful strawberry lemon blondies are perfect for enhancing your afternoon tea or coffee experience! Try them alongside a refreshing cup of green tea or a robust dark roast. The zesty lemon and sweet strawberries harmonize beautifully with the flavors in both beverages, creating a balanced treat. For a luxurious twist, pair them with vanilla chai tea for a cozy afternoon indulgence.

Creative ways to serve at gatherings

When planning a gathering, impress your guests by serving strawberry lemon blondies in quirky ways!

Mini Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert station where guests can drizzle on the lemon glaze and sprinkle powdered sugar, allowing for personalization.
On a Platter: Cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a beautiful platter. Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for a burst of color.
Gift Boxes: Wrap individual portions of blondies in pretty boxes and present them as sweet take-home favors.

These ideas will surely elevate your dessert game!

Time Breakdown for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When you're ready to whip up a batch of strawberry lemon blondies, understanding the timing can make the process a breeze. Here's how it breaks down:

Preparation Time

About 15 minutes is all you'll need to prepare your ingredients and get everything mixed together.

Baking Time

The blondies take approximately 30 to 35 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn golden but don’t dry out!

Cooling Time

After baking, let the blondies cool on a rack for about 20 minutes before glazing and slicing—patience is key for that perfect bite!

Total Time

In total, you're looking at around 1 hour. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking delicious strawberry lemon blondies!

For more tips on creating the perfect treat, check out The Kitchn's baking basics.

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

When indulging in these delightful strawberry lemon blondies, it's good to know what you're treating your taste buds to. Here's a quick look at the nutritional content per serving:

Calories

Each blondie features approximately 319 calories, making them a sweet yet satisfying treat for any occasion.

Sugar Content

In every bite, you'll find about 23 grams of sugar. The natural sweetness from strawberries combined with sugar creates a delicious balance that you won't forget.

Fats

These blondies contain around 16 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, making them rich and decadent while keeping your dessert game strong.

With this information, you can enjoy your strawberry lemon blondies while being mindful of your dietary choices! For further reading on the benefits of strawberries, check out resources from the USDA here for a deeper dive into their nutritional profile.

FAQs about Strawberry Lemon Blondies

How can I ensure my blondies are fudgy?
To achieve that perfect fudgy texture in your strawberry lemon blondies, be sure not to over-bake them. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. Also, using room temperature butter will help create a creamy batter that lends to that fudgy finish.

Can I store strawberry lemon blondies?
Absolutely! Wrap your blondies in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to a month. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What can I substitute for butter?
If you're looking for a butter alternative in your strawberry lemon blondies, coconut oil or a plant-based margarine work well. Just remember, these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference!

Are there gluten-free options for the recipe?
Yes, you can easily make your strawberry lemon blondies gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep everything compliant!

Conclusion on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Celebrate the joys of homemade treats

Embracing the joy of baking can transform a regular day into something special, and these strawberry lemon blondies are the perfect way to do just that! With their vibrant flavor and delightful texture, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Enjoy sharing these treats with loved ones—they’re sure to brighten anyone's day!