Dive into the refreshing world of Lemon-Infused Strawberry Blondie Squares, where the zest of lemons meets the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all in a chewy, brownie-like bar. Topped with a zingy lemon glaze, these squares are the epitome of summer indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Summery Bliss
- Lemons: The zest and juice of fresh lemons infuse these blondies with a vibrant citrus flavor. Opt for fresh lemons for the zest to ensure a bright, aromatic quality.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add bursts of sweetness and texture. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs ensure a smooth batter, integrating perfectly with the melted butter for a rich base.
- Glaze: A simple glaze of confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice drapes over the blondies, enhancing the lemony essence. For a subtler touch, water can replace the lemon juice in the glaze, or you can enjoy the bars unglazed for a purely fruity and buttery experience.
Crafting the Lemon Glaze
While the glaze is optional, it adds a delightful finish to the blondie squares. Blend confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice for a tart complement, or use water for a milder sweetness.
Tip: Wait for the blondies to cool before applying the glaze for a polished look. If aesthetics aren’t a concern, feel free to glaze while warm for a deeper infusion of flavor.
Storing Your Strawberry Lemon Treats
Keep the blondie squares in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer preservation, freeze them for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to indulge.
Ingredients for Summer Dessert Magic
Blondie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 ½ cups (285g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (125g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon Strawberry Blondie Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment or grease and flour it.
- Blend the melted butter with brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in the eggs and yolk one by one, followed by the lemon juice and zest.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, then evenly spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes for a 9×9-inch pan (25-30 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan) or until the edges turn golden.
- Let the blondies cool completely before drizzling with the lemon glaze.
Glazing:
Combine confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Drizzle over cooled blondies and allow the glaze to set before serving.
These Lemon-Infused Strawberry Blondie Squares are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of strawberries, perfect for any summer gathering or a cozy afternoon treat.
