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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Gently fold the prepared strawberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
Baking:
- 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:
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Glaze Preparation:
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies, spreading evenly. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes.
Serving:
- 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.