If you’re searching for a delightful treat that feels both familiar and exciting, these Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine buttery, tender blondies infused with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberry, elevated by a swirl of luscious jam and pockets of creamy white chocolate chips. This recipe brilliantly blends classic comfort with a fresh, fruity punch — perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these gorgeous strawberry blondies, you only need a handful of ingredients that are simple yet play vital roles in achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Each element from the browned butter to the almond flour adds a special touch that will make every bite unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Browned for a rich, nutty flavor that forms the base of these blondies.
- Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and caramel-like sweetness while keeping the texture chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Helps with structure and adds a bit of sparkle in sweetness.
- Large eggs: Give the blondies stability and richness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, making the blondies incredibly soft.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Lemon zest: Offers a subtle brightness that complements the strawberries.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the main structure for the blondies.
- Almond flour: Adds a delicate nuttiness and tender crumb.
- Cornstarch: Helps in softening the texture by reducing gluten formation.
- Baking powder: Lightens the blondies to keep them fluffy yet dense.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder: Brings concentrated, natural strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
- Strawberry jam, seedless: Adds luscious, gooey swirls full of sweet tanginess.
- White chocolate chips: Introduce creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the blondies out later on. Then, gently brown the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden with a deliciously nutty aroma. This step is what gives the blondies their deep, buttery flavor that’s truly the foundation of this recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. The freeze-dried powder not only infuses natural strawberry flavor but also adds a captivating pink hue. Sifting the powder ensures you avoid any clumps and achieve an even distribution for consistent flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one by one, stirring until each is fully incorporated. Next, fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest — these add moisture, aroma, and that subtle zing that lifts every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mixing just until combined is crucial here; overmixing can lead to tough blondies, and no one wants that. This step ensures your blondies turn out tender yet nicely set.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Swirl Jam
Spread half of the batter evenly into the pan. Dollop half of the seedless strawberry jam over the surface, then layer the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the jam. Use a knife to gently swirl the jam through the batter, creating those beautiful streaks of strawberry flavor. Finally, sprinkle white chocolate chips across the top for bursts of creamy sweetness.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Set
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for set edges and a toothpick finished with moist crumbs — not dry — so it bakes just enough but remains soft and indulgent.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour. Using the parchment overhang, lift the blondies out and cut into 16 delightful squares. For clean edges, patience is key, but you can warm a piece for a few seconds if you prefer a gooier, just-out-of-the-oven experience.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra freeze-dried strawberry powder or finely chopped fresh strawberries on top before serving for a pretty and fresh look. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these strawberry blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance their creamy texture. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can also complement the fruity notes without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into small bite-sized pieces and serve on a decorative platter for parties or afternoon tea. You can also layer chunks of the blondies with yogurt and fresh fruit in a parfait glass for a fancy twist. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper makes a cute grab-and-go snack option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them moist and tender, preserving their irresistible texture and strawberry flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each blondie square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy your Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Reheating
To bring frozen blondies back to life, thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens them nicely, making it feel as though they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes! You can replace almond flour with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour, though this will slightly change the texture, making blondies less tender and nutty. If you’re avoiding nuts, this is a good workaround.
Do I have to use freeze-dried strawberry powder?
Freeze-dried strawberry powder adds concentrated flavor and color that fresh strawberries can’t replicate in this recipe. However, you could experiment with finely chopped fresh strawberries, but expect a moister batter and possibly a longer bake time.
How important is browning the butter?
Browning the butter is key to unlocking a deep, nutty flavor that truly distinguishes these blondies. It’s worth the extra few minutes for that golden richness you won’t get with regular melted butter.
Can I use regular strawberry jam with seeds?
It’s best to use seedless jam for a smooth, swirlable consistency. Seeds might interfere with the texture and prevent smooth swirling throughout the batter.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
They are done when the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Underbaking slightly ensures a wonderfully chewy and tender blondie.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a fresh twist to your dessert repertoire, this Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe is a must-try. It’s a wonderful blend of buttery, fruity, and sweet flavors that everyone will adore. Once you bake these once, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to for celebrations, gatherings, or whenever you need a little homemade indulgence. So grab your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones with something truly special!
Print
Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus 1 hour cooling
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Blondies with a delightful twist, featuring browned butter, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and swirls of seedless strawberry jam complemented by creamy white chocolate chips. This recipe yields tender, flavorful blondies with a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and rich buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1½ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup strawberry jam, seedless
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
Toppings
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper with an overhang. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, swirling gently until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder until uniform, ensuring no clumps from the powder remain.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk cooled browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking fully after each, then fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest for added fragrance.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula, mixing gently just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Layer Batter and Jam: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over it. Spread the remaining batter over the jam and add more jam dollops. Use a knife to gently swirl the jam into the batter. Sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Bake Blondies: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating halfway, until edges are set and toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Cool blondies completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift from the pan and cut into 16 squares. For a gooier texture, warm individual squares for 5-10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbrown the butter to avoid a burnt taste.
- Sifting and whisking the freeze-dried strawberry powder prevents clumps and ensures even flavor throughout.
- Folding gently preserves the tender crumb and prevents toughness.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes for easy removal and neat slicing.
- Allow blondies to cool fully to get clean slices; warming briefly can create a gooier texture.
