Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with our luscious Strawberry Lemon Blondies! These mouthwatering treats are a harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon, perfectly nestled within a soft and chewy blondie brownie. With every delectable bite, you'll savor the refreshing burst of citrusy lemon, balanced flawlessly by the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries. Whether you're looking to satisfy your dessert cravings or simply crave a burst of summer sunshine in every morsel, our Strawberry Lemon Blondies are the epitome of irresistible and delightful goodness. Treat yourself to a taste of pure bliss and get ready to be whisked away to dessert paradise!

Ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed

- 2 large eggs

- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- Zest of 1 large lemon

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Lemon Glaze:

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

- Zest of 1 large lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. While the blondies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until you have a smooth glaze.

9. Once the blondies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

10. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the slightly cooled blondies, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

11. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

12. Serve and enjoy these delightful Strawberry Lemon Blondies as a sweet and tangy treat!

Note: For an extra special touch, you can also garnish the blondies with some additional lemon zest and fresh strawberry slices before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To enhance the flavor of your strawberry lemon blondie recipe, you can try incorporating some OPTIONAL steps and additional ingredients.

1. Lemon Syrup Drizzle: Prepare a simple lemon syrup by simmering equal parts fresh lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves. After baking the blondies, poke a few holes on the surface with a toothpick and brush the lemon syrup over the top. This will infuse the blondies with extra lemony goodness and keep them moist.

2. Lemon Extract: Add a few drops of lemon extract to the blondie batter along with the lemon zest and juice. Lemon extract provides a concentrated burst of lemon flavor that complements the fresh zest and juice.

3. Fresh Mint: Garnish the cooled blondies with some finely chopped fresh mint leaves. The aromatic and refreshing flavor of mint pairs wonderfully with strawberries and lemon.

4. Almond or Coconut Flakes: For a delightful texture and taste contrast, sprinkle some almond or coconut flakes on top of the blondie batter before baking. The nutty or tropical notes will add depth to the overall flavor profile.

5. Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese, a bit of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the blondie batter and gently swirl it with a butter knife. This creates a lovely, marbled effect and adds a creamy, tangy element.

6. Strawberry Glaze: Make a quick strawberry glaze by blending fresh strawberries with powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies for a burst of strawberry sweetness.

7. Balsamic Reduction: Create a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar until it thickens slightly. Drizzle the reduction over the cooled blondies to add a unique sweet-tangy flavor.

Remember to taste as you go and adjust the quantities of these optional ingredients to your preference. These enhancements will elevate your strawberry lemon blondies to a whole new level of deliciousness!