Looking for a dessert that bursts with fresh flavors and feels like sunshine on a plate? This Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe combines the tart brightness of lemon with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries in a soft, buttery blondie that’s perfect anytime you want a little happy bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, these blondies quickly became my go-to treat whenever strawberries and lemons come into season. They’re ridiculously simple to make, and the lemon glaze brings just the right tang to balance the sweet strawberries. Seriously, everyone will ask for the recipe!
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: Combining fresh diced strawberries with zesty lemon juice creates a delightful sweet-tart harmony.
- Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These blondies are tender and moist, not dry or crumbly.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have delicious bars in under an hour.
- Lovely Presentation: The pink hue from the strawberries makes these blondies as pretty as they are tasty.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When shopping for ingredients, fresh and quality items make all the difference here. Juicy, ripe strawberries and tangy fresh lemon juice are the stars, so pick the best you can find to really make these blondies shine.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and lets you control the saltiness precisely.
- Sugar: Sweetens the blondies without overpowering the fresh fruit flavors.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Adds vibrant citrus brightness and balance.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure for the blondies, holding all the ingredients together.
- Baking Powder: Lightens the texture, giving a gentle lift.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Diced Fresh Strawberries: Bursts of natural fruit sweetness and color throughout.
- Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that’s easy to spread.
- Strawberry Puree: Intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze and gives it a pretty pink tint.
- Lemon Juice (for glaze): Thins the glaze and adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to brighten up the flavor or tweak textures, there’s plenty of room to make these blondies your own.
- Add a Zesty Kick: For a more intense lemon flavor, try stirring in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter before baking — it really wakes up the whole treat!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, keeping an eye on texture since the batter might be a bit different but still delicious.
- Berry Swap: Don’t have fresh strawberries on hand? Raspberries or blueberries also pair beautifully with the lemon glaze.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a flax egg for a vegan twist. The texture will be slightly different but just as yummy!
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped pistachios or sliced almonds for an added crunch that compliments those sweet and tart flavors wonderfully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly even bake. Then, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges. This step is optional but trust me—lifting the blondies out for glazing and slicing will be so much easier and less messy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter together with ¾ cup sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The fluffiness here sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re after.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Lemon Juice
Beat in 1 large egg completely, making sure it's well incorporated. Then pour in ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice and mix until combined. Don't worry if the lemon juice looks a little separated at this point; it will blend better once you add the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Whisk and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until no dry flour patches remain. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Gently Fold in Fresh Strawberries
Carefully fold in 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries. The key is to fold gently; you want those bright pink pieces throughout without mashing the fruit, which helps keep that lovely fresh strawberry flavor and a nice texture.
Step 6: Spread Batter and Bake
Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan using a large offset spatula. Take your time to smooth out the surface for an even bake. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still moist. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Over-baking can dry them out, so keep a close eye near the end!
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Glazing
Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the glaze from melting into the bars and keeps it glossy and pretty.
Step 8: Make the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
Trim and puree about 2 large strawberries in a small food processor, then strain through a fine sieve to get 1 tablespoon of smooth strawberry puree. Whisk together 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, the strawberry puree, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Adjust the consistency by adding a pinch more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a few drops of lemon juice if too thick. You want a smooth, spreadable glaze.
Step 9: Glaze and Slice
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies with a spatula or butter knife. Let the glaze set at room temperature before slicing into 12 bars. This final step seals in all those bright strawberry and lemon notes — each bar is a burst of sweet-tart bliss!
Top Tip
Mastering the Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe is all about balance and gentle handling. Here are some tips I've learned to make your baking experience smooth and your blondies truly shine.
- Strawberry Folding: When folding in the diced strawberries, be very gentle to keep their shape intact. I've found that overmixing can turn the batter pink and mushy instead of delightfully marbled.
- Watch the Bake Time: I learned the hard way that overbaking dries out these bars. Keep an eye on the edges turning golden and the center just set but still moist for the perfect tender bite.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper allows you to lift the blondies out in one piece for easy glazing and slicing. This trick makes a world of difference in presentation and cleanup.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Take your time whisking the glaze. If it's too runny, add more powdered sugar a little at a time; if too thick, thin with a bit more lemon juice. A spreadable glaze is key to that pretty finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, garnish your blondies with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries or a few lemon zest curls on top of the glaze. You could also dust with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate sweet touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy lemon and sweet strawberry flavors. A fresh mixed berry salad or a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, also makes a lovely companion to these treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them nice and soft while preserving that fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating, as this may melt the glaze or dry out the blondies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture that can affect texture.
For a brighter lemon punch, try adding about a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter alongside the juice. This adds fragrant oils and boosts flavor without altering texture.
If your glaze is too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice to loosen it until you get that perfect spreadable consistency.
Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or in two batches. Adjust baking time as needed—start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Lemon Blondies are one of those recipes that bring a little sunshine to your day with every bite. Their tender texture combined with the fresh fruity tang makes them irresistible for any occasion. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to bake these delightful bars again and again—each time a little more perfect than the last!
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Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Lemon Blondies are delightful pink bars combining the sweet tartness of fresh strawberries and lemon with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect as a dessert or snack, these blondies feature a buttery base with fresh diced strawberries and a tangy lemon glaze that enhances their flavor.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 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
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the blondies.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges for easy lifting later. This step is optional but recommended for easy handling.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the blondies.
- Add Egg and Lemon Juice: Beat in the egg thoroughly. Once incorporated, add the fresh lemon juice and beat until combined, noting the lemon juice may not fully incorporate at this stage.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no dry flour remains and the batter is uniform.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix to maintain their shape and texture.
- Spread Batter: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a large offset spatula to ensure a smooth top surface.
- Bake: Bake the blondies for 35 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden and the center is set but still moist. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Trim and puree strawberries in a small food processor, then strain through a fine sieve to obtain 1 tablespoon of smooth puree.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness with more sugar or lemon juice as needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Glaze Blondies: Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the cooled blondies using a spatula or knife.
- Set Glaze and Slice: Allow the glaze to set completely at room temperature before slicing into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- Using parchment paper helps to lift the blondies out easily for glazing and slicing.
- Do not over-bake the blondies to keep them moist and tender; the center should be slightly moist when tested.
- Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture; if unavailable, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding powdered sugar to thicken or lemon juice to thin for an ideal spread.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, zest a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter before baking.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg

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