Name: Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 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 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup diced fresh strawberries; 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, measure out your sugar before sifting); 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (you'll need about 2 large strawberries); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (or just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency)

Introduction to Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Why Choose Homemade Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, homemade strawberry lemon blondies are a delightful option! These treats are not only bursting with bright flavors but are also incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to impress your friends and family without the hassle.

When you make them from scratch, you get to control the quality of the ingredients. Fresh strawberries, real lemon juice, and unsalted butter create a rich and satisfying taste that's often missing from store-bought desserts. Plus, nothing beats the aroma of baked goods wafting through your kitchen!

Consider this: Baking can be a therapeutic adventure, providing a chance to unwind after a long day. It encourages mindfulness and creativity as you mix, measure, and decorate. Don’t be surprised if your strawberry lemon blondies spark delightful conversations at your next gathering; they are visually stunning and offer a tart yet sweet flavor profile that’s genuinely irresistible.

So, why not embrace the joy of baking? With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to make these luscious blondies!

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Essential Ingredients for the Blondies

To make your delicious strawberry lemon blondies, gather the following essential ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) for that rich flavor and moist texture.
¾ cup sugar to sweeten and balance the tartness of the lemon.
1 large egg to help bind your ingredients together.
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice for a bright, citrusy zing.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour to provide structure.
½ teaspoon baking powder to give them that light, fluffy lift.
½ teaspoon salt to enhance the sweetness.
1 cup diced fresh strawberries to create those juicy bursts in every bite.

Ingredients for the Glaze

No strawberry lemon blondies are complete without a delightful glaze! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (make sure to sift before measuring for accuracy).
1 tablespoon strawberry puree, which you can easily make by blending about 2 large strawberries.
Lemon juice (about 1 Tbsp) to achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.

With these ingredients at your fingertips, you're all set to whip up a batch of irresistibly tasty strawberry lemon blondies! Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards!

Preparing Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Creating strawberry lemon blondies is a delightful process that's simple and rewarding. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet indulgence on a regular day, these treats are a golden blend of flavors and textures. Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch that will impress your friends and family.

Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your blondies bake evenly. Next, take a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. You can let the paper hang over the edges for easy lifting later. Trust us, this makes slicing and glazing a breeze!

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This process incorporates air into the ingredients, leading to a perfect texture. Don’t rush through this step—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick.

Incorporate the Egg and Lemon Juice

Now, beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated. This will add richness to your blondies. Next, pour in ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. You might notice that the mixture isn’t fully smooth right now, but that’s perfectly fine. It’ll come together in the next steps!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until no dry flour remains. Make sure not to overmix—just keep it gentle!

Fold in Strawberries and Spread in the Pan

Chop fresh strawberries (about 1 cup) into small pieces. Gently fold these into your batter, letting the bright pink bits distribute evenly for lovely pops of flavor in each bite. Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Bake and Cool the Blondies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out moist but not wet. This is critical—overbaking can lead to dry blondies, which we definitely want to avoid. Once baked, let them cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

While your blondies cool, it’s time to whip up the glaze. Start by pureeing about two large strawberries in a small food processor until smooth. Strain this puree to get 1 tablespoon. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, your strawberry puree, and enough 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to create a spreadable consistency. The right texture is essential, so adjust the sugar and lemon juice until you achieve your desired thickness.

Glaze the Blondies and Let Set

Once the blondies have cooled sufficiently, spread the glaze over the top using an offset spatula for smooth coverage. Allow the glaze to set for a bit before slicing into squares. This transformation from batter to delightful strawberry lemon blondies is not just about the taste; it's about that sweet, juicy, citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to take a bite!

Enjoy these blondies as they are or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of pure bliss. Happy baking!

Variations on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Raspberry Lemon Blondies

If you're a fan of strawberry lemon blondies, why not try swapping in raspberries for a delightful twist? The tartness of raspberries pairs beautifully with the bright lemon flavor, creating a refreshing treat that's perfect for warm weather. Simply replace the diced strawberries with an equal amount of fresh or frozen raspberries, and enjoy the delicious berry flavor in every bite!

Rhubarb Blondies

For a unique twist, consider using rhubarb in your blondies. The slightly tart flavor of rhubarb adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet blondie base. Just chop the rhubarb into small pieces and substitute it for strawberries in the original recipe. This combo works especially well when you add a hint of ginger for an extra zing!

Each variation brings its own charm to these blissfully chewy blondies, ensuring that you never get bored with the recipe!

Cooking tips and notes

Measuring flour accurately

When making strawberry lemon blondies, it's essential to measure flour correctly to achieve that perfect texture. First, fluff the flour in its container with a spoon. Then, gently scoop it into your measuring cup, avoiding any packing. Level it off with a straight edge, and there you go—a precise measurement that ensures your blondies turn out deliciously!

Adjusting glaze thickness

The glaze is what truly elevates these blondies! If you find it’s too thin, simply mix in a little more powdered sugar. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a small amount of lemon juice to reach that glossy, spreadable consistency. Don't forget to test a dollop on your blondies—this way, you ensure the perfect drizzle!

Serving suggestions for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Pairing with tea or coffee

Enjoying strawberry lemon blondies with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a delightful afternoon break. Consider pairing them with a smooth chamomile or a zesty Earl Grey; the bright flavors of the blondies harmonize beautifully with the rich notes in your brew. For coffee lovers, a medium roast with caramel undertones accentuates the sweet strawberry and tangy lemon, enhancing every bite of your dessert.

Perfect for gatherings or picnics

These strawberry lemon blondies are a hit at gatherings or picnics. Their easy-to-slice nature makes serving a breeze, and their pretty pink hue adds a festive touch. Complement them with refreshing lemonade or iced herbal tea to keep things light and vibrant. Plus, they hold up well in a picnic basket, ensuring you can delight your friends and family with a sweet treat at any outdoor adventure. Why not try them next time you have a gathering? You’ll be the star of the social scene!

Time breakdown for making Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Preparation time

Getting everything ready to make your delicious strawberry lemon blondies is a breeze! Set aside about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients, line your baking pan, and mix the batter.

Baking time

Once your blondies are in the oven, let them bake for 30-35 minutes. This is the perfect time to savor the sweet, tangy aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Total time

In total, you're looking at around 50 minutes from prep to bake, plus a bit of cooling time before glazing. In less than an hour, you'll have a delightful dessert to share with friends or enjoy solo!

For more kitchen tips and dessert ideas, check out The View From Great Island. Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Calories

Each serving of these delightful strawberry lemon blondies contains approximately 319 calories, making them a sweet treat that's rich yet not overwhelming.

Sugar Content

With 23 grams of sugar per serving, these blondies strike a balance between sweet indulgence and fresh flavor thanks to the berries and lemon.

Fiber Content

You'll get about 1 gram of fiber per serving, thanks to the fresh strawberries. While this may not seem like a lot, it adds a bit of nutritional value to this delicious dessert!

For more health-conscious tips, check out Healthy Eating Guidelines or explore whole food options to learn how to balance your indulgent treats!

If you have any questions about baking or nutrition, feel free to share them in the comments below!

FAQs about Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Can I replace strawberries with other fruits?
Absolutely! Strawberry lemon blondies are versatile. You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced rhubarb for a unique twist. Combining fruits, such as strawberries and rhubarb, creates a deliciously tangy flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the sweetness according to the fruit's natural sugar content.

How should I store leftover blondies?
To keep your strawberry lemon blondies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you're not planning to eat them all right away, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing, and let them thaw at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy!

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make strawberry lemon blondies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Many brands, such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur Flour, offer great options. Ensure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free to keep everything safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion on Strawberry Lemon Blondies

In summary, strawberry lemon blondies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. They're simple to prepare and make a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the bright, refreshing taste of spring right in your kitchen!