Strawberry Lemon Blondies Delightful and Easy Treat

Get ready for a burst of flavor with these Strawberry Lemon Blondies! This easy treat combines sweet strawberries and zesty lemon in a chewy, buttery base. Perfect for any gathering or a special snack! I’ll guide you through each step to create this delightful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this tasty adventure!

Ingredients

To make Strawberry Lemon Blondies, you need a few basic ingredients. Here’s the list:

- 1 cup unsalted butter

- 1 ½ cups brown sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Zest of 1 lemon

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- ½ teaspoon baking soda

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

These ingredients blend to create a sweet and tangy treat. The unsalted butter provides a rich base, while the brown sugar adds depth. Eggs help bind everything together, making the blondies soft. Vanilla extract gives a warm flavor that complements the lemon.

Lemon zest and juice brighten up the dish. They add a fresh taste that balances the sweetness. All-purpose flour forms the structure of the blondies. Baking soda helps them rise, while salt enhances all the flavors. Fresh strawberries add bursts of juicy goodness. The white chocolate chips are an optional treat for a creamy touch.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps when you take the blondies out later.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted butter with 1 ½ cups of brown sugar. Stir it well until the mixture is smooth. Next, add 2 large eggs. Then, pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Don’t forget to add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything until it blends well.

Preparing Dry Ingredients and Combining

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This will help the blondies to rise. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Incorporating Strawberries and Optional Ingredients

Now, take 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Hull and dice them into small pieces. Slowly fold these strawberries into the batter. If you like, add ½ cup of white chocolate chips too. Make sure they are evenly mixed in.

Baking the Blondies

Pour the batter into the lined baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Then, place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, cut them into squares. Enjoy your tasty strawberry lemon blondies!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best texture, make sure your butter is melted but not hot. If the butter is too warm, it can cook the eggs when mixed. Use room temperature eggs for a smooth blend. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour. Mixing too much can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until you see no dry flour.

Flavor Enhancements

You can add more fun flavors to your blondies. Consider tossing in nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You might also try adding a touch of almond extract for depth. For serving, pair these blondies with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. They taste great warm or at room temperature.

Presentation Tips

Make your blondies look extra special. Once they cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. This gives them a sweet, snowy finish. For a pop of color, add fresh strawberries on top or beside the blondies. This simple touch makes them look bright and tasty.

Variations

Different Fruit Options

You can switch up the fruit in your blondies. Raspberries and blueberries add a nice twist. Their flavors mix well with lemon, creating a fresh taste. You can use fresh or frozen berries. If you want dried fruit, try chopped apricots or cranberries. They give a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.

Gluten-Free Version

If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or oat flour. Both work great in this recipe. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Just check if it has xanthan gum. This ingredient helps give the blondies a good texture and structure.

Vegan Adaptation

To make these blondies vegan, replace the eggs and butter. Use flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs. For butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These changes keep the blondies moist and tasty while being plant-based.

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

Store your Strawberry Lemon Blondies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. If you leave them out, they can dry out. It is best to store them in the fridge for up to a week.

If you prefer room temperature, the blondies will stay good for 2-3 days. Just make sure they are in a cool, dry spot. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. This helps keep their flavor and texture intact.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these blondies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn. Place the wrapped squares in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date.

To thaw, take out a square and leave it at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their soft, delicious taste.

FAQs

How long do Strawberry Lemon Blondies last?

Strawberry lemon blondies last about 3 to 5 days when stored. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week if kept cold.

Can I make Strawberry Lemon Blondies without eggs?

Yes, you can make these blondies without eggs! Use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let this sit for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to your batter. This swap works well and keeps the blondies moist.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. You can also bake the blondies ahead and store them. Just cool and keep them in an airtight container.

What can I serve with Strawberry Lemon Blondies?

Serve strawberry lemon blondies with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. For a fruity boost, add extra strawberries on the side. A drizzle of lemon glaze can also elevate the flavors.

This blog post guided you through making delicious Strawberry Lemon Blondies. You learned about the key ingredients and each step, from mixing to baking. Tips helped ensure a perfect texture and added flavor. Variations showed you how to customize the recipe for different tastes and diets. Finally, we discussed storage and answered common questions.

Now, you can confidently bake these treats. Enjoy them fresh or share them with friends!