Strawberry Lemon Blondies

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Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the epitome of light, fruity, and indulgent desserts. These vibrant pink bars combine the bright, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries with the citrusy zing of lemon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, every bite feels like a cloud of flavor, making these blondies an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or preparing a dish for a special gathering, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies will surely win hearts with their fresh, fruity appeal.

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The combination of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and the tender, chewy blondie base offers a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dessert stand out. Topped with a simple glaze, these blondies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and explore all the steps to create these delicious treats!

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

• 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 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (measure before sifting)
• 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges. This will help you lift out the blondies easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Blondie Base
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Add the egg and continue beating until fully incorporated.
3. Add Lemon Juice
   Add the fresh lemon juice to the butter and sugar mixture. It’s okay if it doesn’t fully incorporate at this point—the lemon juice will blend better as you continue mixing in the dry ingredients.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry spots remain. The batter will be thick, which is typical for blondies.
5. Add Fresh Strawberries
   Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix. The strawberries should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Blondies
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a large offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Prepare the Glaze
   Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. In the meantime, prepare the glaze.
8. Make the Strawberry Lemon Glaze
   To make the glaze, trim the strawberries and blend them in a small food processor to create a puree. Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer to extract about 1 tablespoon of puree. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice, whisking until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice or strawberry puree until you reach a spreadable consistency.
9. Glaze the Blondies
   Once the blondies are completely cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the blondies into squares.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The flavor of these Strawberry Lemon Blondies is a delightful contrast of sweet, tart, and citrusy. The strawberries infuse the bars with a subtle sweetness, while the lemon juice adds just the right amount of tang, balancing the richness of the buttery blondie base.

When you take a bite, the texture is soft yet slightly chewy, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth sensation that’s so satisfying. The strawberry pieces provide little bursts of freshness, and the glaze on top adds a glossy, sweet finish to each bar.

The aroma is intoxicating—imagine the inviting smell of freshly baked goods, with hints of lemon zest and the natural sweetness of strawberries filling the air as the blondies bake. It’s the kind of scent that makes you eager to taste the final product.

Tips for Success

• Measuring Flour: To ensure you’re using the correct amount of flour, first fluff it with a spoon, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This prevents the flour from being compacted and ensures accuracy.
• Substitute for Strawberry Puree: If you prefer a different flavor, you can use raspberry or blueberry puree in the glaze. If you’re in a pinch and don’t want to make fresh puree, a small amount of fruit jam could work, but avoid using strawberry jam as it may make the glaze too sweet.
• Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different fruits in this recipe. Rhubarb, blueberries, or raspberries can be excellent alternatives to strawberries. For a twist, try a combination of strawberries and rhubarb for a more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a picnic, or just a casual get-together with friends and family, they make an excellent addition to the spread. You can serve them as-is, or for an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with a cup of tea or lemonade for a refreshing, light dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

With their pretty pink hue, refreshing flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy strawberries and zesty lemon creates a deliciously sweet and tart contrast that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try your hand at variations, these blondies are a perfect dessert for any season. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful treats!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a delightful, vibrant dessert that blends the best of summer’s fresh strawberries with the tangy zest of lemon. These bars are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, offering a sweet yet tart experience that will leave everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a delicious outcome every time.

The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the sweet strawberry glaze, makes these blondies a perfect choice for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a picnic, or a special celebration. The versatility of this recipe also allows you to experiment with different fruits, creating endless possibilities to suit your taste preferences.

So, don’t hesitate to bake up a batch of these Strawberry Lemon Blondies. With their bright colors, refreshing flavors, and irresistible texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy each bite as you savor the simple pleasure of homemade baking!