Strawberry Lemon Blondies: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort

Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a strawberry lemon blondie? These delightful bars are the perfect combination of sweet, chewy goodness and a burst of tangy fruity flavor that just makes your taste buds dance! I remember the first time I made them: it was a sunny afternoon, and I had just come back from the local farmers’ market with a basket full of the juiciest strawberries. I couldn’t resist the urge to whip up something special, so I decided to experiment with a blondie recipe. Trust me, the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! The way the strawberries meld with the zesty lemon creates such a refreshing treat that it’s hard to have just one. Whether you’re enjoying them at a picnic or serving them up for dessert at a dinner party, these strawberry lemon blondies are sure to impress everyone around you!

Ingredients List

To make these scrumptious strawberry lemon blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients. I like to gather everything before I start, so I’m ready to dive right in!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – This adds richness to the blondies and helps them stay chewy.
• 1 cup brown sugar – The brown sugar gives the blondies that lovely caramel flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance everything out!
• 2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and create that soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla is a must for that warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your blondies, giving them structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This will help give your blondies a little lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors!
• 1 cup diced strawberries – Fresh strawberries bring that burst of fruity goodness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – This adds a bright, zesty flavor to the mix.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice – The acidity of the lemon juice is key to that refreshing taste!

How to Prepare Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Getting these strawberry lemon blondies ready is a breeze! Just follow my simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in no time. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the blondies bake evenly.
2. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. This will ensure your blondies come out easily and don’t stick!
3. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. I usually use a whisk to get everything well combined.
4. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything well again until it’s all blended together beautifully.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.
6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Don’t overmix! Just combine until you can’t see any more flour.
7. Here comes the fun part! Fold in those juicy diced strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The vibrant colors and fresh smell make this step my favorite!
8. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. It should look thick and luscious, just waiting to be baked!
9. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
10. Once they’re done baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy to Make: These blondies come together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert!
• Fruity Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Chewy Texture: With the right balance of butter and sugar, these blondies are delightfully chewy and irresistible!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat! They’re great for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 16 blondies, they’re ideal for gatherings, picnics, or just to brighten up a regular day.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet, fruity flavors are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your strawberry lemon blondies turn out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some handy tips to help you achieve those delicious, chewy bars!

• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, remember to mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies instead of the light and chewy texture you want!
• Quality Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your blondies as they bake. Start checking around the 25-minute mark; you want them golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow your blondies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes them easier to slice into squares.
• Store Properly: Keep your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge—but trust me, they won’t last that long!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best strawberry lemon blondies ever. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to have fun while baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your strawberry lemon blondies! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep your taste buds excited:

• Blueberry Lemon Blondies: Swap out the strawberries for fresh blueberries! The combination of blueberries and lemon is a classic, and it adds a lovely burst of color too.
• Peachy Keen: During peach season, diced peaches make a delightful addition. They bring a juicy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.
• Nuts for Nuts: If you love a little crunch, try folding in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice texture contrast and a bit of heartiness to the blondies.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flair! It complements the fruity flavors and adds a chewy texture that’s oh-so-delicious.
• Chocolate Chip Delight: For a richer treat, fold in some chocolate chips along with the strawberries. The combination of sweet chocolate and tangy lemon is simply divine!
• Mix of Fruits: Get creative by combining different fruits—how about strawberries and raspberries? The more, the merrier when it comes to flavor!

Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite flavor combinations. Baking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to make these blondies uniquely yours!

Nutritional Information

As with any homemade treat, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. So, keep in mind that these numbers are just an estimate to give you a general idea of what’s in your delicious strawberry lemon blondies!

• Serving Size: 1 blondie
• Calories: Approximately 200
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

So, if you’re counting calories or just curious about what you’re indulging in, these values can help you enjoy your strawberry lemon blondies with a bit more awareness. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to keep your strawberry lemon blondies fresh and tasty! You’ll want to store them properly to maintain that delicious chewy texture and fruity flavor.

• Storing: Once your blondies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to pop them in the fridge to keep them from getting too soft.
• Freezing: If you want to save some for later (or just can’t resist making a double batch!), these blondies freeze beautifully. Just cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a blondie from the freezer, simply take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you like them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they can get a bit too chewy!

With these storage tips, you can savor your strawberry lemon blondies for days to come. Trust me, they’re worth every bite, whether they’re fresh out of the oven or perfectly chilled from the fridge!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen strawberries for my strawberry lemon blondies?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to your batter to avoid excess moisture. Trust me, they’ll still taste delicious!

How do I know when my blondies are done baking?
Great question! Keep an eye on them starting around the 25-minute mark. They’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You don’t want to overbake them, or they might become dry.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These strawberry lemon blondies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature after they’ve cooled completely.

What’s the best way to cut the blondies?
To get nice, clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife. You can also warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water and then drying it off. This will help slice through the chewy texture without crumbling them.

Can I substitute the lemon juice with something else?
If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can definitely use lime juice for a different twist! It gives a similar tartness but with a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will change a bit, but it’ll still be yummy!

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