Craving a sweet treat that's easy to make? Look no further than these Strawberry Lemon Blondies! This simple recipe combines sweet strawberries and zesty lemon to create a perfect balance. You’ll only need basic ingredients and a few kitchen tools. In no time, you’ll enjoy the soft, chewy goodness of these blondies. Ready to whip up a batch? Let's dive into the recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: These blondies are cut into small squares, making them a great treat to share at gatherings, picnics, or parties.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding nuts, different fruits, or even a swirl of cream cheese for an extra twist!
Ingredients
Core Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
To create my Strawberry Lemon Blondies, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The unsalted butter adds a rich flavor, while brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness. Eggs from the store should be at room temperature. This helps the batter mix well. The lemon zest and juice bring a bright, tangy taste that pairs well with strawberries.
The all-purpose flour is the backbone of the blondies. The baking soda helps them rise, while the sea salt balances the sweetness. Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and color. If you want a little twist, consider adding white chocolate chips. They give a nice creamy contrast to the tart strawberries.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking pan (8x8 inch)
- Parchment paper
Having the right tools makes cooking easier. I recommend using medium-sized mixing bowls for combining ingredients. A whisk helps blend wet ingredients smoothly. A spatula is handy for folding in strawberries without breaking them. You will need an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal once baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Hull and dice 1 cup of fresh strawberries.
Making the Batter
- In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Mix until everything is fully combined.
Finalizing the Blondie Batter
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
- Carefully fold in the strawberries and, if you like, ½ cup of white chocolate chips.
Baking the Blondies
- Pour the batter into your lined baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check if done by inserting a toothpick in the center.
- The toothpick should come out clean but may have some moist crumbs.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Strawberry Lemon Blondies
To make the best blondies, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make them tough. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour. This keeps the blondies light and chewy.
To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the blondies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they're ready. This step ensures you don’t underbake or overbake them.
Serving Suggestions
After cooling, dust the blondies with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch and makes them look fancy. Serve them with fresh strawberries on the side. The bright colors and flavors complement each other well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use cold eggs. Room-temperature eggs blend better and help the batter rise. Always take your eggs out ahead of time.
Let the blondies cool before slicing. Cutting them too soon can lead to messy squares. Give them time to set, and they will slice perfectly.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter and ensures better incorporation with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can result in dense blondies.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; they are done when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can make your strawberry lemon blondies even more fun by adding fruit. Try mixing in blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit gives a unique taste and color. You can also add nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your blondies a nice crunch. This change adds texture and flavor to each bite.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in baking. You can also replace brown sugar with coconut sugar. This change makes your blondies lower in glycemic index. It also gives a rich caramel flavor.
Seasonal Variations
For summer, use a mix of berries. You can create a berry blondie explosion with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. In winter, consider adding citrus flavors. Try using orange zest or juice for a bright twist. Each season brings new flavors, so feel free to mix and match!
Storage Info
How to Store Strawberry Lemon Blondies
To keep your blondies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for about a week.
Freezing Blondies
You can freeze your blondies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date. They will stay good for up to three months.
To thaw, take out the desired number of blondies. Unwrap them and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, they taste fresh and delicious again!
FAQs
How do I know when my blondies are done baking?
Your blondies are done when a toothpick comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are okay. Check around 25 minutes. The edges will look golden and firm. The center might feel soft but will set as it cools.
Can I use frozen strawberries in the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain any extra juice. This helps keep your batter from getting too wet. Keep in mind, the color may run a bit more than fresh ones.
What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?
You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. If you prefer a fruitier taste, try adding dried fruit or nuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Adjust based on your taste.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, try freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I make these blondies vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan blondies! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if using them.
To recap, we explored all you need for delicious Strawberry Lemon Blondies. We listed core ingredients, essential kitchen tools, and simple steps for perfect blondies. I shared tips on avoiding common mistakes and suggested fun variations. Storing and freezing tips help keep your treats fresh.
These blondies are easy and tasty. I hope you feel excited to try the recipe! Enjoy cooking and share these treats with friends and family.
