Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Spring is the season of fresh fruits, light flavors, and sunny afternoons. So, what better way to celebrate the vibrant season than with a batch of strawberry lemon blondies? These delightful treats combine the sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of lemon in a rich, buttery blondie base. But here’s a question: Why settle for the same old chocolatey desserts when you can indulge in a burst of fresh, seasonal flavors that are perfect for spring?

If you’re a fan of spring desserts, these strawberry lemon blondies will quickly become your go-to recipe for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Plus, they are easy to make, perfectly balanced in flavor, and a refreshing twist on the typical heavy desserts. Let’s dive into why this recipe is the ideal treat to usher in the warm, sunny season!

Ingredients List

To create these irresistibly soft and flavorful strawberry lemon blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides a light and airy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of lemon and brings sweetness to the blondies.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and richness.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and helps with the texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the blondies.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – A zesty punch of fresh lemon aroma.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Adds a tart kick, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the blondies rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced – Sweet, juicy strawberry pieces bring spring freshness to the dessert.
• Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips – Adds extra sweetness and richness.

Suggested Substitutions:

• Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey, but be mindful that this may slightly alter the texture.
• Eggs: You can substitute eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

By using these simple and versatile ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings or a sunny afternoon treat!

Timing

Making these strawberry lemon blondies is quick and easy, making them perfect for when you’re in the mood for a fresh, homemade dessert.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes – The first step involves mixing the dry and wet ingredients together and preparing the strawberries.

Baking Time:

• 30-35 minutes – Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Total Time:

• 40-45 minutes – From start to finish, you’ll have fresh, zesty blondies ready in no time, which is about 20% faster than most traditional bar cookie recipes. A quick spring dessert that you can whip up in under an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will ensure your blondies come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Then, add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. This creates a fragrant, flavorful base for your blondies.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is thick and fully combined. The lemon zest will be suspended throughout, providing a fresh citrus aroma as you mix.

Step 4: Fold in Strawberries

Carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Be gentle, as you want to keep the strawberries intact. If you’re adding white chocolate chips, now’s the time to mix them in as well. This step will result in a wonderfully chunky batter that is studded with sweet fruit.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the middle will remain soft and chewy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. The combination of strawberry sweetness and the citrusy bite of lemon creates the perfect balance in every bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to indulging in spring desserts, we want a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (1 blondie, assuming 16 servings per batch):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 2g

These blondies are moderate in calories but pack a rich, flavorful punch. If you’re looking to make the recipe even healthier, check out the next section for some alternative suggestions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While these strawberry lemon blondies are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:

• Reduce the Sugar: Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia to lower the sugar content without compromising on taste.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Vegan Options: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to make this a vegan-friendly dessert.
• Low-fat Yogurt: Swap out half of the butter with low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein.

These small tweaks allow you to enjoy a more nutritious version of this treat while still savoring the bright spring flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry lemon blondies are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• With Fresh Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to each blondie for an extra creamy, indulgent bite.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for the perfect dessert.
• As Part of a Spring Brunch: These blondies are perfect for a spring brunch table, alongside fresh fruit and other light pastries.
• Topped with a Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled blondies for an extra burst of citrus.

These ideas can help you serve the blondies in a way that fits your occasion, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or enjoying a casual treat with family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your strawberry lemon blondies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can result in dense blondies.
• Underbaking: Since the blondies are golden on top, it can be easy to assume they’re done. Be sure to test the center with a toothpick to avoid underbaking.
• Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can make the blondies too soggy. Use fresh, firm strawberries for the best results.

With a little care and attention, these blondies will come out perfect every time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your strawberry lemon blondies:

• Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual blondie squares for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

These storing tips will ensure your blondies maintain their freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, strawberry lemon blondies are the perfect spring dessert, blending fresh strawberries with a tangy lemon twist to create a mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or simply treating yourself, they’ll surely become a favorite. Try them today, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your feedback! We’d love to hear about your experience, and be sure to subscribe for more delicious spring recipes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I use a different fruit in place of strawberries?

Yes! You can easily swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a different fruity twist.

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

---

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares (1 batch)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a refreshing twist on your typical spring desserts. With the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon, they’re ideal for warm weather gatherings or a sunny afternoon snack. Easy to make and full of fresh flavors, this dessert will become your new go-to for springtime indulgence!

---

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

• Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.

4. Fold in Strawberries:
   Gently fold in the diced strawberries and, if desired, white chocolate chips. Be careful not to crush the strawberries.

5. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the blondies cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free alternative.

• If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider substituting coconut sugar or honey.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: spring desserts, strawberry lemon blondies, easy blondie recipe, fresh strawberry desserts, lemon blondies recipe, homemade blondies, springtime treats, fruity blondies, easy spring dessert recipe.