Berry Citrus Bars

Indulge in the delightful harmony of strawberries and lemons with these Strawberry Lemon Blondies. This recipe features a soft, chewy base bursting with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, topped with a sweet strawberry lemon glaze that enhances the fruit flavors. Perfect for summer picnics, afternoon snacks, or as a refreshing dessert, these blondies offer a vibrant twist on traditional blondie recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Fresh and Fruity: Utilizes fresh strawberries and lemon zest for a bright, natural flavor.
  • Perfect Texture: Achieves a soft, chewy texture with a crisp edge, ideal for blondie lovers.
  • Visually Appealing: The vibrant red of the strawberries and the glossy glaze make these treats as beautiful as they are delicious.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions ensure anyone can create these delightful treats.

Ingredients:

For the Blondies:

  • 1 cup (6 ounces) fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately one large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from roughly one lemon)
  • 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (from about 2 strawberries)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Oven and Pan Preparation:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal of the blondies.

Strawberry Preparation:

  1. Wash, pat dry, hull, and dice the strawberries into small pieces. Spread them on a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer to air dry, reducing excess moisture.

Batter Preparation:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well to combine.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until half combined to avoid overmixing.

Incorporating Strawberries:

  1. Gently fold the prepared strawberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.

Baking:

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling:

  1. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Glaze Preparation:

  1. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies, spreading evenly. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes.

Serving:

  1. Once set, lift the blondies from the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

Storage Options:

  • Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator if preferred for a firmer texture.

Tips:

  • Strawberry Handling: Ensure strawberries are well dried to minimize additional moisture which can affect the texture.
  • Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Enjoy these Strawberry Lemon Blondies as a light, fruity dessert that’s sure to captivate with its delightful flavors and textures. Perfect for sharing, these blondies will bring a taste of summer to any table.