Name: Strawberry Lemon Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup strawberries (diced); 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons strawberry jam; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredients

1 cup butter (room temperature)

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup strawberries (diced)

2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

1 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons strawberry jam

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9″ x 9″ baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup room temperature butter, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the egg to the mixture, scraping down the bowl as needed, and mix until combined.

Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low speed until just combined and no streaks of butter remain. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Gently fold in the diced strawberries by hand.

Step 6: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan covering the bottom completely.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 8: While the blondies cool, prepare the icing. In the mixer bowl, cream together 2 tablespoons room temperature butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Add the remaining powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and lemon juice to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 10: Spread the strawberry lemon icing evenly over the warm blondies using an offset spatula.

Step 11: Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting into 9 squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra zing, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

Substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different fruity twist.

If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen diced strawberries, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.

Storage

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated blondies come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving. The icing may firm up in the fridge but will soften nicely once warmed.

FAQs

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Can I freeze the blondies?

Absolutely. Wrap cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.