Strawberry Lemon Blondies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup fresh strawberries To make delicious strawberry lemon blondies, gather these main ingredients. Each one plays a key role. Start with unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Use brown sugar for moisture and sweetness. The granulated sugar adds a nice crunch. Fresh eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. All-purpose flour gives structure, while baking powder makes them rise. Salt enhances the flavors. Finally, the zest and juice of one lemon brighten up the treat. Chopped fresh strawberries add a lovely fruity touch. - Powdered sugar for dusting You can add powdered sugar for a sweet finish. It looks lovely on top and adds a touch of sweetness. Dust it right before serving for the best effect. This optional step makes your blondies even more appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. - Leave some overhang for easy lifting later. - In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. - Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well mixed. - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. - Stir in the vanilla extract until fully mixed. - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. - Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, so they spread evenly throughout the batter. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. - Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. - Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. - Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. - Lift the blondies out using the parchment overhang. - Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. To get the right texture, do not overmix the batter. When you mix too much, the blondies become tough. Mix until ingredients just combine. This keeps them soft and chewy. Once they cool, they will set nicely. Letting them cool for about 10 minutes in the pan helps too. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper. This step allows them to cool evenly and keeps them from becoming soggy. Adding a bit more citrus can brighten the taste. Try adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or juice. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a fun twist, try different fruits. Raspberries or blueberries work well. They add a unique flavor and color. To make your blondies look fancy, dust them with powdered sugar. This simple step adds elegance. You can also serve them with fresh strawberries on the side. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs nicely too. These small touches make your dessert stand out at any gathering. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can lead to a soggy batter. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense blondies. Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your blondies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking. Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting to ensure clean edges and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} Serving Strawberry Lemon Blondies with ice cream or whipped cream adds a nice touch. The creaminess of ice cream balances the fruity flavor. Whipped cream brings a light and airy feel. You can also drizzle with sauces like chocolate or caramel. A berry sauce pairs well too, enhancing the fruity notes. If you need dairy-free options, try coconut oil instead of butter. It keeps the rich taste. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both options work well, but make sure to check the mix’s ratios. Want to switch things up? Add chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. Nuts like walnuts or pecans offer a nice crunch. You can also mix in other berries. Raspberries bring tartness, while blueberries add a sweet burst. Each choice creates a new twist on the classic blondie! To keep your strawberry lemon blondies fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If you want them to last longer, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. This helps keep them soft and prevents sticking. To freeze blondies, first, let them cool completely. Cut them into squares, and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped blondies in a freezer bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. At room temperature, your blondies will stay fresh for about three days. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. Just remember to keep them covered to maintain moisture. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just remember to thaw and drain them first. This helps keep your blondies from getting too soggy. Frozen fruit may release extra moisture. Chop them into smaller pieces for even mixing. Look for a golden top and edges that pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time. Keep an eye on them during baking. Absolutely! You can bake them a day ahead. Just let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best taste, add powdered sugar right before serving. This keeps it looking fresh and tasty. We explored the delicious world of strawberry lemon blondies, covering essential ingredients, simple steps, and expert tips. You learned how to create a tasty treat that balances sweet and citrus flavors. Remember, using fresh fruit can elevate the taste, while optional ingredients like powdered sugar enhance the look. Baking these blondies can be fun and yield great results. Enjoy sharing them with friends or trying your own variations. These blondies are perfect for any occasion, ensuring happy moments.$

Deliciously sweet and tangy blondies packed with fresh strawberries and lemon flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 2 granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1.75 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 zest of lemon
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Keyword blondies, dessert, lemon, strawberry