Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking these strawberry lemon blondies! There’s something utterly magical about combining the bright, fruity flavors of fresh strawberries with the zesty kick of lemon. It’s like a sunny day in dessert form! The moment you mix those juicy strawberries into the batter, your kitchen is filled with the sweetest aroma that just makes you smile. And when they come out of the oven, golden and slightly chewy, you’ll find it hard to resist diving right in. Trust me, each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a soft, chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try these! They’re perfect for sharing—if you can bear to part with them!
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
How to Prepare Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Getting these strawberry lemon blondies ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process! Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake!
- Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. You want to make sure your blondies come out easily!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will make your blondies rich and flavorful.
- Now, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined. You’ll love how this smells!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to get these dry ingredients mixed evenly.
- Carefully add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want those blondies to stay chewy!
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. You’ll see the vibrant colors and feel the excitement building!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures every blondie gets that lovely texture.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—they’re worth it!
- Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly!
And voilà! Your strawberry lemon blondies are ready to be cut into squares and enjoyed. Trust me, you’ll be in love at first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Fruity Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion!
- Chewy Texture: These blondies are wonderfully chewy, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time, even on a busy day!
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re ideal for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet treat to share with family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch!
- Delightfully Aromatic: Your kitchen will smell heavenly as they bake—trust me, it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Tips for Success
Making strawberry lemon blondies is a joy, but there are a few pro tips I swear by to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into these little nuggets of wisdom!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates that lovely chewy texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies—yikes! We want them soft and chewy, not dense.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your blondies while they bake. They’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow your blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting easier.
- Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to play around! Try adding white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of lemon curd for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless!
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or freeze them for later indulgence!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful strawberry lemon blondies ever. Happy baking!
Variations of Strawberry Lemon Blondies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize these strawberry lemon blondies! Each variation brings a unique twist that can make this recipe even more exciting. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- White Chocolate Bliss: Fold in a cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the tartness of lemon and strawberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The nuttiness complements the fruity flavors perfectly!
- Berry Medley: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries for a delicious berry blend that’s bursting with flavor!
- Lemon Curd Swirl: For a zesty surprise, swirl in a few tablespoons of lemon curd before baking. It adds a delightful burst of lemony goodness in every bite!
- Coconut Delight: Sprinkle in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the lemon and strawberries, making you feel like you’re on a beach getaway!
- Banana Bliss: Replace half of the strawberries with mashed ripe bananas for a moist, banana-infused blondie that’s absolutely delightful.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of these strawberry lemon blondies is their versatility. You can create your own signature version that reflects your taste. Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and devoured those delicious strawberry lemon blondies, you might be wondering how to keep any leftovers fresh for later enjoyment. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
To store your blondies, let them cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. If you have any leftovers (which is a big ‘if’ because they’re so good!), they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight—nobody likes a dried-out blondie!
If you want to extend their life, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to a week. Or, for longer storage, you can freeze them! To do this, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label them so you know what sweet treats are waiting for you!
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen blondie, simply take it out and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and make them taste like they’re fresh out of the oven again!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your strawberry lemon blondies any time the craving hits. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values for these delightful strawberry lemon blondies. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, but it’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
With these blondies, you get a tasty treat that’s not only sweet but also packed with flavor. Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they’re a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire!
FAQ About Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Got some questions about these delicious strawberry lemon blondies? Don’t worry, I’ve got the answers to help you along your baking journey!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding to the batter.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or freeze them for later!
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While you can use oil, I recommend sticking with melted butter for that rich flavor and chewy texture that makes these blondies so special!
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know your blondies are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!
Strawberry Lemon Blondies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake Today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry lemon blondies are a sweet treat that combines fruity flavors with a chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stir until just combined.
- Fold in strawberries, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, add white chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: strawberry lemon blondies