Introduction to Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Why Strawberry Lemon Blondies Are the Perfect Treat for Young Professionals
Looking for a delightful dessert to balance out your busy workweek? Enter strawberry lemon blondies, a cheerful treat that embodies both flavor and convenience! These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an ideal pick-me-up during hectic days or as a dessert that will impress friends at your next gathering.
What’s truly fabulous about these blondies is their adaptability. Whether you’re whipping them up on a Sunday evening for meal prep or bringing a batch to the office, you'll love how quick and easy the preparation is—just 15 minutes of hands-on time! With a combination of fresh strawberries and bright lemon juice, these treats are not only delicious but also bring a taste of spring any time of year.
Plus, with only 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll soon be savoring the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that pairs perfectly with your afternoon coffee or a refreshing iced tea. And when it comes to sharing, who can resist that lovely pink hue? So, why not bring a little sweetness into your life with these irresistible strawberry lemon blondies?
For more inspiration on delightful desserts, check out our other sweet treats here.
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
When it comes to whipping up a batch of strawberry lemon blondies, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that delightful blend of sweet and tart, combined with a rich, buttery texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Key Ingredients for the Blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter: A must for that rich flavor and soft texture.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetness is essential to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and a zesty kick.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your blondies for that chewy consistency.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder and salt: Essential for leavening and flavor enhancement.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: The star of the show, providing freshness and color!
Ingredients for the Glaze
For that beautiful finishing touch, grab:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness to drizzle on top.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry puree: A vibrant, fruity flavor that complements the blondies.
- Lemon juice: About 1 Tbsp, just enough to achieve the right glaze consistency.
Once you gather these ingredients, you're well on your way to enjoying a delicious treat! For more cooking tips and tricks, check out this guide on baking essentials.
Preparing Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Creating strawberry lemon blondies is a delightful way to embrace the sweetness of strawberries combined with the zesty flavor of lemon. This recipe is simple and provides a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. Let’s walk through the steps together!
Gather Your Equipment and Ingredients
Before diving into the mixing, ensure you have everything ready. You'll need:
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Equipment:
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9x9 square baking pan
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Parchment paper (optional, but helpful!)
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk and measuring cups
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Spatula
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Ingredients for Blondies:
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1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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¾ cup sugar
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1 large egg
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¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup diced fresh strawberries
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Ingredients for Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
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1 tablespoon strawberry puree (about 2 large strawberries)
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Lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon (to thin as needed)
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, use a whisk (or an electric mixer if you have one) to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is vital as it incorporates air into the batter, creating a light texture in your strawberry lemon blondies.
Incorporate the Egg and Lemon Juice
Next, beat in the egg until thoroughly mixed. Then, slowly add your fresh lemon juice. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fully incorporate at this stage; it will come together with the dry ingredients.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until there are no dry flour spots. This step is key; be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher blondies.
Fold in the Strawberries and Spread in the Pan
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. This is where the magic happens—those gorgeous pink bites of fruit will brighten your blondies. Once combined, transfer the thick batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges slightly turn golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but moist. Resist the urge to over-bake!
Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While your strawberry lemon blondies cool, make the glaze. Puree your strawberries, strain them to get one tablespoon of the liquid, and mix it with the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, add more sugar; if it's too thick, thin it with lemon juice.
Once your blondies are cool, spread the glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set before slicing into squares. Enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors!
For more fruity delights, consider checking out other dessert recipes like Blueberry Muffins or fresh fruit tarts at Tasty Home. Happy baking!
Variations on Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Additions to Elevate Your Blondies
One of the best parts about these strawberry lemon blondies is their versatility! Consider adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Shredded coconut can also lend a tropical twist, enhancing the flavor profile and texture. You can mix and match these additions based on your taste preferences, making each batch truly unique.
Exploring Other Fruit Combinations
While strawberries and lemons shine together, feel free to explore other fruity combinations! Blueberries provide a burst of juiciness, while raspberries add a delicious tang. For a more adventurous option, try peaches or diced rhubarb to create a delightful seasonal treat. The possibilities are endless; experiment and let your flavor imagination run wild!
By varying the fruits, you can cater to different tastes or simply use whatever is in season. Have fun with it, and don’t hesitate to share your favorite combos!
Baking notes for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Tips for perfect texture and flavor
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your strawberry lemon blondies, consider these handy tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother blending, creating a lovely base.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser blondies, so keep it light and fun!
- Baking time matters: Keep an eye on the oven! When golden around the edges and slightly set in the center, it’s time to pull them out; a toothpick should be moist, not wet.
- Customize wisely: Feel free to swap in berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist.
These small adjustments make a big difference in your baking journey! For more tips, check out the science of baking to elevate your skills even further.
Serving suggestions for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Pairing Ideas and Presentation Tips
These delightful strawberry lemon blondies are not just tasty—they're versatile too! Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delicious contrast to the fruity flavors. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a bit of elegance at your next gathering.
For a delightful presentation, consider garnishing with additional fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A fresh mint leaf adds a touch of sophistication and color. Hosting a brunch? Set them on a beautiful cake stand alongside refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a cheerful touch.
You can also explore more serving ideas on The Spruce Eats for variations and accompaniments. Enjoy your baking!
Time Details for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Preparation Time
You'll need about 15 minutes to prepare your Strawberry Lemon Blondies from start to finish. This includes gathering your ingredients, making the batter, and getting your baking pan ready.
Cooking Time
Allow for 30 minutes of baking time. Keep an eye on your blondies; they should turn a light golden color around the edges while remaining slightly moist in the center.
Total Time
In just 45 minutes, you’ll be enjoying these deliciously vibrant dessert bars! Perfect for a quick treat or a delightful addition to your next gathering.
For more baking tips and dessert inspiration, check out thekitchn.com or bonappetit.com!
Nutritional Information for Strawberry Lemon Blondies
When you're indulging in these delightful strawberry lemon blondies, it's helpful to know what you're savoring. Each blondie contains approximately:
Calories
- 319 kcal
Protein
- 3 g
Sodium
- 105 mg
These tasty treats offer a sweet yet slightly tart experience, combining delicious strawberries and zesty lemon in each bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, understanding the nutritional content can help you make informed choices while satisfying your dessert cravings. For more health insights, visit Healthline or Choose My Plate.
FAQs about Strawberry Lemon Blondies
How can I make these blondies gluten-free?
If you’d like to enjoy strawberry lemon blondies without gluten, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands, such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur, offer great options that yield similar results. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some to help bind the ingredients together.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can work well in strawberry lemon blondies, but make sure to thaw and drain them first. Excess moisture from the frozen berries can make your blondies too wet. Toss the thawed strawberries in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking too much.
What’s the best way to store leftover blondies?
To keep your strawberry lemon blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer, where they can last for about a month. Just let them thaw before enjoying!
For more tips on baking and storage, you might also want to check out resources from King Arthur Baking.
Conclusion on Strawberry Lemon Blondies
These delightful strawberry lemon blondies are the ultimate sweet-tart treat, perfect for spring gatherings or a cozy night in. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavor, you'll want to share them with friends! Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Equipment
- 9x9 square baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted measure out your sugar before sifting
- 1 tablespoon strawberry puree you'll need about 2 large strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice just enough to thin the glaze to a spreadable consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line a 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper with long edges. This is optional but will help you lift out the blondies for easy glazing and slicing later.
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg.
- When the egg is fully incorporated, beat in the lemon juice. The lemon juice will probably not completely incorporate at this point, that's ok.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and add to the wet ingredients, mixing until no more dry flour is present.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Spread the mixture into your pan and spread out as evenly as possible. The dough is thick, so take your time. I like to use a large offset spatula for this job.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, just until starting to turn golden around the edges and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center will be moist but not wet. Don't over-bake these, or they will dry out. Let cool on a rack.
- Trim the strawberries for the glaze and puree in a small food processor. Strain the puree through a small strainer to get 1 tablespoon of puree. Whisk together the sugar, puree, and lemon juice until no lumps remain. If your glaze is too thin, add a touch more sugar. If it's too thick, add more lemon juice.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled blondies. Let the glaze set before slicing.
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