Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Sweet, Tangy Bliss

If you’re the kind of person who swoons for Lemon Bars and hoards summer strawberries like treasure, these Strawberry Lemon Blondies are about to become your new go-to treat. A twist on the classic blondie, this homemade recipe bakes up dense and buttery, but with a burst of citrusy brightness and juicy berry flavor. Add a pretty-in-pink strawberry lemon glaze on top, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert bar that screams sunshine in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a picnic, potluck, or just need something sweet to brighten a Tuesday, this is one of those dessert recipes that’s equal parts fresh, fruity, and downright irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Lemon Blondies

We all love a good bar recipe—easy to mix, easy to bake, and even easier to devour. But here’s why this one deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

  • It’s like strawberry shortcake meets lemon bars in cookie form.
  • No mixers or fancy tools needed beyond a good whisk and spatula.
  • The lemon cuts the sweetness for a perfectly balanced bite.
  • You can make them ahead and they get better as they sit.
  • That glaze? It’s the sweet-tart cherry (or rather, strawberry) on top.

Ingredients Strawberry Lemon Blondies

This homemade recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients—nothing artificial, and all pantry-friendly.

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter forms the base of the blondies, giving them a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helping to carry the bright citrus and sweet berry flavors.

Sugar – A classic sweetener that creates a soft crumb and balances the tartness from the lemon juice.

Egg – Just one binds everything together and helps the blondies bake up dense yet tender.

Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for that vibrant citrus zing that lifts the whole dessert. It adds brightness without overpowering the sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and chew. It’s essential for holding the thick, berry-studded dough together.

Baking Powder & Salt – Baking powder gives just a little rise, while salt balances and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

Fresh Strawberries – Juicy diced berries bring bursts of natural sweetness and moisture to each bite. They also add lovely specks of pink color throughout.

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully. Sifting it ensures a lump-free finish.

Strawberry Puree – Made from fresh berries, this infuses the glaze with natural strawberry flavor and a hint of pink hue.

Lemon Juice – Thins the glaze to the perfect spreadable consistency and gives it an extra hit of citrusy brightness.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Blondies

This recipe is straightforward but yields a beautiful and bakery-worthy result. Here’s how to make it happen:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges to help lift out the bars later. (This step is optional but helpful.)
  2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or do this by hand with a sturdy spatula.
  3. Add Egg and Lemon Juice: Beat in the egg until smooth. Then beat in the lemon juice—it may not fully incorporate and might look slightly curdled, but that’s totally fine.
  4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and stir just until no dry streaks remain.
  5. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. The dough will be thick, so go slowly to avoid smashing the berries.
  6. Spread the Dough: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and spread it evenly. It helps to use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon since the dough is thick and sticky.
  7. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  8. Cool: Let the blondies cool completely on a rack before glazing.
  9. Make the Glaze: Trim and puree about 2 large strawberries in a small food processor. Strain to get 1 tablespoon of smooth puree. Whisk with sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the texture as needed.
  10. Glaze and Set: Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Let it set for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing into squares.

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Spatula or offset spatula
  • Whisk
  • Small food processor or blender (for glaze)

Variations

  • Add zest: Stir a little lemon zest into the blondie base or glaze for extra citrus zing.
  • Swap berries: Try diced raspberries or blueberries if strawberries aren’t in season.
  • Make them nutty: Add a handful of chopped almonds or pistachios for crunch.
  • Go gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make a thicker glaze: Add less lemon juice for a bolder, more frosting-like finish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled for a firm, dense texture or at room temp for extra gooeyness.
  • Pair with lemonade or tea at a summer brunch or garden party.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream for a plated dessert.
  • Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for bake-sale charm.

Tips for Success

  • Dice strawberries small and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
  • Don’t overbake! Pull them once the center is just set to keep them moist.
  • Sift the powdered sugar before mixing the glaze to avoid lumps.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled just doesn’t compare.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (or refrigerate for longer).

FAQs about Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery batter.

Do these taste like brownies?

Not quite. Blondies are more like a dense, chewy cookie bar, without the cocoa.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.

How do I make the glaze pinker?

Add an extra bit of strawberry puree or a tiny drop of red food coloring.

Do they freeze well?

Yes. Freeze in layers separated by wax paper and thaw at room temp.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are like a bite of summer in every square. They combine the nostalgic feel of strawberry bars with the zingy freshness of lemon bars—all wrapped up in one dreamy dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or keeping the whole pan to yourself (no judgment), they’re bound to become one of your favorite homemade dessert recipes.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag me on Pinterest and Instagram. Let’s make dessert just a little brighter, one blondie at a time!

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Strawberry Lemon Blondies: Sweet, Tangy Bliss


  • Author: Sandy
  • Total Time: 55 minutes plus cooling
  • Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are a bright, buttery twist on classic blondies—infused with fresh lemon juice, studded with juicy strawberries, and topped with a vibrant strawberry-lemon glaze. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or a sweet treat anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tbsp strawberry puree (from about 2 large strawberries)
  • About 1 Tbsp lemon juice, to thin the glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges to help lift out the bars later. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula.
  3. Beat in the egg until smooth. Add the lemon juice and mix—it’s okay if the mixture looks slightly curdled.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the wet ingredients until no dry streaks remain.
  5. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. The dough will be thick and sticky.
  6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using an offset spatula or spoon.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is just set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool completely on a rack before glazing.
  9. Puree 2 large strawberries and strain to get 1 Tbsp of smooth puree. Whisk together with sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
  10. Spread glaze over cooled blondies. Let set for 15–20 minutes, then slice into squares.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature butter and egg for a smoother batter.
  • Pat strawberries dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
  • Sift powdered sugar before making glaze to prevent lumps.
  • Don’t overbake—the center should be just set for the perfect blondie texture.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Strawberry Lemon Blondies, Lemon Bars, dessert recipes, strawberry bars, homemade recipe

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