These Strawberry Lemon Blondies combine the bright zing of fresh lemon with sweet, juicy strawberries to create a perfectly balanced dessert bar that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The dense, buttery texture of a classic blondie gets a summery makeover with this fruity twist that results in a vibrant treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Topped with a pretty pink strawberry-lemon glaze, these blondies are guaranteed to be the showstopper at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries creates an irresistible flavor combination
• Easy to make with straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Versatile dessert that works for casual snacking or elegant entertaining
• Beautiful pink glaze makes these visually stunning without complicated decorating skills
• Can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties and gatherings

Ingredients

• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for proper creaming with sugar. The butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indentation when pressed but not melting.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar provides the right amount of sweetness and helps create that perfect blondie texture.
• Egg: Use a large egg at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is essential for the brightest flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice which can taste artificial.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives these blondies their structure. For a more tender result, be careful not to overmix once the flour is added.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives just enough lift without making them cakey like a traditional cake.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the blondies, especially the sweetness and fruitiness.
• Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, premium frozen strawberries can work if thawed and well-drained.
• Powdered Sugar: Use for the glaze, sifting it prevents any lumps for a smooth, silky finish.
• Strawberry Puree: Made from fresh strawberries, this gives the glaze its beautiful pink color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Citrus Swap

Replace the lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus angle. Orange pairs particularly well with strawberries for a more mellow, sweet flavor profile, while lime creates a more tropical twist.

Berry Medley

Substitute half the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version. This creates beautiful color contrast and complex flavor in every bite.

White Chocolate Addition

Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips along with the strawberries for extra sweetness and texture. The creamy white chocolate complements both the strawberry and lemon flavors beautifully.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. The parchment should extend over the edges, creating handles that will make it easy to lift the blondies out later for glazing and cutting.

Step 2: Create the Batter Base

Cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix—don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Strawberries

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to crush them. Spread this thick batter evenly in your prepared pan, taking time to ensure it reaches all corners.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the blondies for 30-35 minutes until they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges and the center appears set. Check with a toothpick—it should come out moist but not wet with batter. Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

Make the strawberry puree by processing fresh strawberries and straining to remove seeds. Mix sifted powdered sugar with the strained strawberry puree and enough lemon juice to create a spreadable consistency. Pour this vibrant pink glaze over the cooled blondies and spread evenly. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature for proper creaming—this creates the foundation for the perfect texture
• When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping, which can pack too much flour into the cup
• Dice the strawberries into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch) so they distribute evenly throughout the batter
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour as this can develop gluten and make the blondies tough
• The parchment paper “sling” is worth the extra step—it makes removing, glazing, and cutting the blondies so much easier
• Wait until the blondies are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or being absorbed

How to Serve

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are delicious on their own as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. For a more decadent dessert, serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing it to melt slightly into the blondie. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries on the side. For a beautiful presentation at parties or brunches, arrange cut blondies on a platter and garnish with thin lemon slices and small strawberry halves.

Make Ahead

These blondies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the batter and bake the blondies up to two days in advance, storing them unglazed in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the glaze a few hours before serving to allow it time to set. The fully glazed blondies will keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the unglazed blondies for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they must be completely thawed and well-drained first to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the batter to prevent the extra liquid from affecting the texture of your blondies.

Why did my glaze turn out too runny?

The consistency of the glaze depends on the balance of powdered sugar and liquid. If your glaze is too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. Remember that the glaze will set firmer as it dries.

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for baking. Look for one that contains xanthan gum to help with binding and structure.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown and the center appears set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this will dry them out.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies offer the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors in an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a summer gathering, a colorful addition to a dessert table, or just a delicious way to use fresh seasonal strawberries, this recipe delivers beautiful results every time. The vibrant pink glaze and bursts of fresh strawberry make these blondies as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate—so grab some fresh berries and lemons and get baking!

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