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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings all the joy of fresh berries and rich sweetness together, you have to try this Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe. These blondies are bursting with the bright flavor of strawberries blended seamlessly with the nutty warmth of browned butter, complemented by white chocolate pockets that add a luscious creaminess. Every bite offers a tender crumb with a vibrant pink hue from the freeze-dried strawberry powder, making them as beautiful as they are irresistible. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a show-stopping dessert, these blondies will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet crucial in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Each one plays a special role, from the richness of browned butter to the zing of lemon zest and the natural sweetness of strawberries.

1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled: Provides a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the base of the blondies.
1½ cups light brown sugar: Adds moist sweetness and contributes to a chewy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp top layer.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and lend structure.
3 tablespoons sour cream: Keeps the blondies tender and moist with a slight tang.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a refreshing brightness that lifts the strawberry flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure.
½ cup almond flour: Adds subtle nuttiness and a soft crumb.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps the blondies light and tender by softening the flour proteins.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly for a perfect texture.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder: Infuses vibrant strawberry color and an intense fruit flavor.
½ cup strawberry jam, seedless: Creates luscious swirls of gooey strawberry goodness.
½ cup white chocolate chips: Offer creamy pockets that melt delightfully when warm.

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 that has enough overhang. Brown the unsalted butter gently in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it as the foam subsides and watch for a golden brown color with a nutty aroma – this usually takes between 5 and 7 minutes. Browning the butter adds a deep richness you don’t want to miss. Set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. This combination of dry ingredients ensures your blondies have a tender crumb with a beautiful strawberry blush. Be sure to sift the freeze-dried powder so it mixes in smoothly and prevents any clumping, while the cornstarch helps keep the batter moist yet firm.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, blend the cooled browned butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and shiny. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to achieve a silky batter. Then fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a fresh twist that perfectly complements the strawberries.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture with a silicone spatula. Take care not to overmix; just combine until you no longer see streaks of flour. This step is key to keeping your blondies tender and moist rather than dense.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Strawberry Jam

Spoon half of the batter evenly into your lined pan, then dollop half the seedless strawberry jam over it. Spread the remaining batter on top and add the rest of the jam. Using a knife, swirl the jam gently into the batter to create beautiful marbled effects. Finally, sprinkle white chocolate chips across the surface for indulgent bites.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t forget to rotate your pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The result is a blondie that is chewy yet soft with delicious pockets of strawberry and white chocolate.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour. Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab from the pan and cut into 16 squares. While they are best cut after cooling, warming slices briefly for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that gooey berry-and-chocolate goodness.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh sliced strawberries on top can elevate the look and add a refreshing bite alongside the rich blondies. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a spoonful of whipped cream also pairs beautifully for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Serve these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for balancing creamy textures. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly, turning your snack time into a special treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your blondies into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter for parties or gatherings. Layer pieces with fresh berries and whipped cream in a clear glass for a layered parfait-style dessert. Or even sandwich two blondies with a generous spread of strawberry jam and mascarpone for a delightful handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover blondies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture. If you prefer them chilled, refrigeration is an option but allow them to come back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

These blondies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen blondies will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them in the refrigerator overnight and warm briefly to revive their luscious texture.

Reheating

Warm your blondies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out their soft, gooey appeal. Avoid overheating as it may dry them out. A quick reheat also revitalizes the white chocolate chips and strawberry swirls into melty, delicious pockets.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried powder?

Fresh strawberries have more moisture, which can affect the batter’s texture and baking time. Freeze-dried powder is perfect because it concentrates strawberry flavor without adding extra wetness, keeping the blondies tender and moist.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but almond flour adds a lovely nuttiness and tender crumb that’s worth seeking out. It pairs beautifully with the browned butter and strawberry flavors.

Can I make these blondies vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs for regular eggs, vegan butter instead of unsalted butter, and a plant-based sour cream, you could experiment with a vegan version. However, the browned butter flavor is a signature element, so using vegan butter that browns well is key.

How do I prevent the strawberry jam from making the blondies soggy?

The cornstarch in the dry mix absorbs extra moisture from the jam, keeping the blondies from becoming overly wet. Also, swirling the jam rather than fully mixing it in helps maintain texture variations without sogginess.

Can I double this recipe and bake in a larger pan?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients and using a 9×13-inch pan works well—just keep an eye on baking time as it may need a few extra minutes. Use a toothpick test to judge doneness.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make the Homemade Strawberry Blondies with a Twist Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved treat for all occasions. The balance of fruity brightness, cozy browned butter richness, and creamy white chocolate pockets makes it truly unforgettable. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every dreamy bite of this delicious creation with friends and family!

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