The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and zesty lemons baking together is enough to make anyone swoon. These irresistible strawberry lemon blondies are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, tangy, chewy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Honestly, this recipe is one of those delightful treats that instantly brightens your day. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a summer potluck, or just because you’re craving something amazing, this recipe will hit the spot.
I first whipped up these blondies on a whim during strawberry season, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. There’s something magical about the combination of juicy strawberries and the tartness of lemons. The blondie base is rich and buttery, while the fruit adds a refreshing twist. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you need a quick dessert fix.
Get ready to fall in love with these strawberry lemon blondies. They’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I promise, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Tangy Perfection: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Chewy, Gooey Texture: The blondie base is rich and buttery with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in under an hour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, picnics, bake sales, or just because.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
What sets this recipe apart is how the fresh fruit truly shines. The strawberries become jammy and sweet as they bake, while the lemon zest and juice add a bright, tangy kick. These blondies aren’t just good—they’re the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for the recipe!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a treat that feels anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter, melted (adds richness and moisture to the blondie base).
- Brown Sugar (gives the blondies a caramel-like depth of flavor).
- Granulated Sugar (balances the tanginess of the lemon).
- Eggs, large (for structure and chewiness).
- Vanilla Extract (enhances the overall flavor).
- All-Purpose Flour (provides the perfect texture—substitute with gluten-free flour if needed).
- Salt (just a pinch to balance sweetness).
- Lemon Zest and Juice (fresh is best for a vibrant, tangy flavor).
- Fresh Strawberries, diced (look for ripe, juicy berries for the best results).
- Powdered Sugar (optional, for a light glaze or dusting).
Feel free to experiment with substitutions if needed. For example, swap out strawberries for raspberries, or use lime instead of lemon for a fun twist!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these blondies—just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
- Whisk: To combine your batter smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in the strawberries without overmixing.
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for thick, chewy blondies.
- Parchment Paper: Makes removing the blondies a breeze.
- Zester: Essential for getting fine lemon zest.
If you don’t have parchment paper, grease your pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Trust me, clean-up will be so much easier!
Preparation Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (115g) melted butter, 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the zest of 1 lemon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup (150g) diced fresh strawberries and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the batter too wet.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the blondies dense instead of chewy.
- If your strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- For an extra lemony kick, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the glaze.
- Let the blondies cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges.
And here’s a little secret: these blondies taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together!
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Berry Swap: Replace the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Extra Citrusy: Double the lemon zest for a more intense flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds or pistachios for added crunch.
I once tried these blondies with a mix of strawberries and blackberries, and they were a hit! Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These blondies are best served at room temperature, either plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade for a summery treat.
For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each blondie is approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
The fresh strawberries and lemon juice are loaded with vitamin C, making this a dessert with a little extra nutrition. Plus, these blondies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard!
Conclusion
These strawberry lemon blondies are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and tangy dessert. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) these as much as my family and I do.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
They’re ready when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.