Lemon Strawberry Blondies are a sweet and tangy treat that you’ll love! With flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon, these blondies are chewy and delightful.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it—just try not to eat them all in one go! 😂 Baking these is a breeze, and they make your kitchen smell amazing!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for balancing flavors. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the blondies sweetness and texture. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients. If you’re looking for egg alternatives, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too. Just note it might be a bit less vibrant!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. For gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix can work well.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a juicy texture. Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
How Do I Make Sure My Blondies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy blondies lies in the mixing and baking times. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re blended; overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Baking time is also critical—start checking around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean, to ensure a chewy bite.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine wet ingredients until creamy before adding the dry ones. Be gentle with your mixing!
- Keep an eye on the baking time—check for doneness early!
How to Make Lemon Strawberry Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 to 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- Optional: thin lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the blondies to cool for a bit before adding the glaze, making the total time around 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to ensure your blondies come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring until everything is fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important for evenly distributing the baking powder and salt throughout the batter.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently, just until the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense blondies!
5. Add Strawberries:
Fold in the chopped strawberries gently. If you want, reserve a few pieces to sprinkle on top before baking for a pretty presentation.
6. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. If you reserved some strawberry pieces, sprinkle them on the top now.
7. Bake the Blondies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
While your blondies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the blondies have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with thin lemon slices for a fresh touch. Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Lemon Strawberry Blondies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This will help prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This should work well without altering the flavor too much.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and add a bit more lemon juice for a tangier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly!
