Easy Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe Perfect for Summer

The bright, tangy zing of lemons paired with the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries—these strawberry lemon blondies are everything you need to celebrate summer. Picture this: tender, chewy bars with a buttery base, infused with fresh lemon zest and dotted with chunks of ripe strawberries. They’re like sunshine in dessert form!

I first experimented with these blondies on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted something fruity but didn’t feel like making a pie or tart. Let’s just say they’ve been a summer staple ever since. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already!

Whether you’re looking for a treat to take to a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or just a sweet snack to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe has you covered. Plus, they’re so pretty—perfect for Instagram snaps or pinning to your Pinterest board!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these blondies ready to bake in under 15 minutes. No mixers, no fuss!
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or even a casual dessert night.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet strawberry pieces and tangy lemon flavor are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Visually Stunning: Those vibrant strawberry chunks against the golden blondie base—hello, Pinterest-worthy dessert!

What makes this strawberry lemon blondies recipe stand out is the balance of flavors. The tart lemon cuts through the sweetness, and the strawberries add a juicy freshness that’s hard to resist. Plus, the texture is just right—slightly chewy, a little cakey, and oh-so-buttery. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds (and thirds!).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe is all about simplicity, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and keeps the blondies moist.
• Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the blondies without overpowering the lemon.
• Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle caramel note and chewiness.
• Large Egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon): Brings that bright, zesty flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The base of the blondies, giving them structure.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the blondies rise just enough.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Fresh Strawberries (3/4 cup, diced): Adds pops of sweetness and color.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): For the optional lemon glaze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): For the glaze, adding extra tang.

If you need substitutions, you can use frozen strawberries (thawed and patted dry) or swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to make it your own!

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls for the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing everything together—no fancy tools required.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for this recipe. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Zester: For that fresh lemon zest. A microplane works best!
• Knife and Cutting Board: To dice the strawberries into small pieces.

If you don’t have an 8×8 pan, you can use a 9-inch round pan or even double the recipe for a 9×13 pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time!

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and whisk until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
5. Add the Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Be careful not to crush them too much.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
8. Optional Glaze: While the blondies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the blondies once cooled and cut into squares.

And there you have it—soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry and lemon goodness!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the blondies dense. Stir until everything is just combined.
• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Pat Strawberries Dry: If your strawberries are too juicy, they can make the blondies soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them in.
• Watch the Bake Time: Don’t overbake! Blondies should be just set in the center to stay soft and chewy.

These tips will help ensure your strawberry lemon blondies turn out perfect every time.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Berry Mix: Use a mix of berries like blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries.
• Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace half the lemon zest with lime zest for a citrusy twist.

I’ve even tried adding white chocolate chips to the batter for extra decadence—highly recommend it!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These blondies are best served at room temperature. For presentation, arrange them on a pretty platter and garnish with lemon slices or fresh strawberries.

For storage, place the blondies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each blondie contains an estimated 180 calories, with 7g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. They’re not a health food, but the fresh strawberries and lemon zest add a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.

For those with dietary restrictions, these blondies can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or lower in sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and lemons, and these blondies capture that magic in every bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any summer gathering—or just because.

I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do! If you do, let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Happy baking, friends!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These blondies stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes.

What’s the best way to cut blondies neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares. You can chill the blondies for 20 minutes before cutting for even cleaner edges.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! The blondies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of lemony sweetness if you want it.