So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. These strawberry lemon blondies are where fresh fruit meets tangy lemon in a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert bar. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make, which means you get to snack sooner rather than later. Ready to bake your way to happiness?
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This recipe is like the superhero of desserts. It’s idiot-proof (even if your baking skills are… questionable), quick, and the flavor combo is straight-up addictive. Tangy lemon zest wakes up the sweet, juicy strawberries in every bite, balanced perfectly in a chewy blondie base that won’t dry out on you. And the best part? You can eat these anytime — breakfast, snack, dessert, or “I need something in my mouth now” emergency.
Try messing this up, and you’ll owe me a slice to taste-test.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s get real simple with this. You won’t need a ton of fancy stuff, just good ol’ kitchen staples + fresh fruit:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened or melted (because butter makes everything better)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar (sweetness hero)
- 1 large egg (binds it all together)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, no bottled sad stuff)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (the zing factor)
- 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (for structure and chewiness)
- ¼ tsp baking soda (to help it rise a bit)
- 1¼ cup diced fresh strawberries (no frozen imposters here)
- For the glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp strawberry jam (adds that pretty pink gloss and extra berry punch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps and you’ll have a tray of happiness in no time:
- Beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Like, really creamy. About 30 seconds of your arm workout.
- Add in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until it looks like the base of something magical.
- Mix the flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients but don’t overdo it—just stir it until combined. Overmixing = tough blondies. We want soft and chewy, not bricks.
- Fold in those fresh strawberries gently. You want to keep the fruit pieces intact for maximum berry bursts.
- Pour the batter into your pan. Use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan, lined with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from about an inch away from the edge. (This trick helps keep the center chewy, not dry.)
- Let the blondies cool completely before you glaze. Don’t be that person who can’t wait and ends up with a sticky, sad mess.
- Make the glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry jam. Drizzle it lovingly over the cooled blondies.
- Slice and serve. Try not to eat them all at once. (No promises if you’re alone!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you can skip preheating the oven—rookie mistake. It messes with the baking time and texture.
- Overmixing the batter. Chill, keep it light — overworking flour = tougher bars.
- Using frozen strawberries, which can make your batter soggy. Fresh or bust.
- Eating the blondies before they cool down and the glaze sets. Patience isn’t just a virtue here; it’s survival.
- Overbaking. Remember, blondies should be dense and chewy, not dry.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Don’t sweat it if you’re missing some ingredients or just feeling experimental:
- Butter swap? Margarine technically works but why hurt your soul like that? Butter enriches the flavor like no other.
- No fresh strawberries? Use raspberries or blueberries, but don’t expect the same lemon-strawberry lovefest.
- No lemon juice? Lime juice can crash the party but offers a similar citrus zing.
- Gluten issues? Try a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture but maybe add a little xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t have it.
- Want vegan? Swap the egg for flaxseed “egg” and butter for coconut oil. Results might vary, but hey, who’s judging?
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can, but fresh is the Beyoncé of this recipe. Frozen berries might add too much moisture and make the blondies soggy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double everything and use a larger pan or two pans. Baking time might need tweaking, so keep an eye on it.
How do I store these blondies?
Keep them airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge if your kitchen is hotter than the sun. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have lemon zest?
No zest, no problem. Just use a bit more lemon juice—but keep it balanced, or you might turn the batter soupy.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Sure thing! Chopped walnuts or white chocolate chips are killer in these blondies. Adds a little crunch or extra sweetness.
Do I HAVE to make the glaze?
Nah, they’re good naked, but the glaze adds that pretty finish and a tangy-sweet punch that makes them next-level.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a good gluten-free flour blend. The texture might shift a little but the flavor will still rock.
Related Articles:
- Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe
- Strawberry Banana Popsicles RECIPE
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones Recipe
Final Thoughts
Alright, friend, if you’re ready to whip up these strawberry lemon blondies, you’re about to make your taste buds do a happy dance. They’re easy, fun, and packed with flavor that feels fancy but really isn’t. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! And hey, if you mess up, just eat the mistakes—they’re probably still delicious.
Happy baking!
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.



