Irresistible Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe You Must Try
Ah, summertime! It brings a wave of deliciousness that can lift anyone’s spirits. I still remember the days of my childhood when we would eagerly wait for the strawberries to ripen in my grandma’s garden. There was something magical about plucking sun-warmed berries straight from the vine and popping them right into our mouths. Those sweet, juicy morsels always inspired her to whip up something special. That nostalgia takes me to today, where I bring you a recipe that perfectly encapsulates those juicy memories: Strawberry Lemon Blondies.
These blondies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, brightened up with the zing of lemons and bursts of fresh strawberries. They are sweet, subtly tangy, and oh-so-moist—perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to a summer potluck, or cozying up with a good book. Let’s dive into this easy-as-pie recipe that’s sure to become a summer favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Toss everything together in a bowl—no complicated techniques here!
- A delightful balance: The sweetness of strawberries meets the tartness of lemon, creating a perfect harmony.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a fancy breakfast treat. Who doesn’t love dessert for breakfast?
- Seasonal vibes: It’s a fantastic way to utilize fresh summer strawberries and lemon!
Ingredients
Gather up these delightful ingredients. You might even find you have some of them on hand!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Tip: Make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet; they’ll caramelize beautifully on the edges while baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s transform those ingredients into a luscious treat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk gently until well incorporated.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beat in each egg until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Introduce the dry to the wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Be careful here; overmixing will lead to dense blondies, so mix until you see just a little bit of flour left.
- Add the best part: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed. Your batter should have a lovely pink tint from the strawberries!
- Pour and spread: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Don’t be shy; make sure those strawberries are well covered.
- Bake away: Pop your blondies into the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry blondies!
- Cool and cut: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and savor!
Pro Tip: If you can resist, let them sit for a few hours before cutting them. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Pro Tips & Variations
While these blondies scream “delicious” just as they are, here are some delightful twists you might want to try:
- Add some crunch: Consider tossing in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for an added texture!
- Berry exploration: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if you want to experiment with different flavors.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- A sprinkle of sweetness: Drizzle a simple glaze over the top made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an elegant finish!
Remember, the kitchen is all about creativity. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Lemon Blondies shine as a stand-alone treat, but I absolutely love pairing them with things that elevate their flavors:
- With a dollop of whipped cream: A light, fluffy addition enhances their sweetness and adds a beautiful presentation.
- Accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Picture a warm blondie topped with creamy ice cream that melts into every warm nook and cranny.
- With coffee or tea: They make a perfect mid-afternoon snack alongside your favorite brew—just enough sweetness to satisfy without going overboard!
Let your creativity flow and serve them up however makes your heart happy!
Storage Tips
What’s great about these Strawberry Lemon Blondies is that they keep well—if you can resist the temptation long enough to store them! Here’s how to keep their flavors fresh:
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They taste delightful cold or warmed up!
- Freezing: You can freeze blondies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw on the counter or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
- Reheating: To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off without turning them into gummy squares.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from them to prevent the blondies from being too soggy. Fresh berries are ideal, but frozen can work in a pinch.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Absolutely! You can increase the lemon juice to 3 tablespoons or add a bit more lemon zest if you’re craving that citrus zing. Just adjust the sugar slightly if you find it’s getting too tangy for your taste.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No worries! You can substitute with granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, so just keep that in mind for the overall texture.
How do I know when my blondies are done baking?
The toothpick test is your friend! Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs instead of wet batter, they’re ready. A little patience goes a long way—don’t overbake!
Conclusion
I hope this Strawberry Lemon Blondies recipe brings you joy and a sprinkle of sunshine in your day! Imagine sitting on your porch, a warm blondie in hand, that sweet aroma wafting through the air, and laughter from friends and family surrounding you. I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so feel free to drop a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations! Happy baking, my friends!
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Irresistible Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe You Must Try
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Lemon Blondies A perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors theyre a musttry treat for dessert lovers
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies that balance the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemon, perfect for summer gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: strawberry lemon blondies, dessert recipe, summer treats