Strawberry Blondies

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for tossing with strawberries)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
    • If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them into the batter.
  3. Prepare the Strawberries:
    • Toss the diced strawberries in 2 tablespoons of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the blondies while baking).
    • Gently fold the strawberries into the batter, being careful not to mash them too much.
  4. Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (it should not be completely clean, as you want the blondies to remain soft and moist).
    • If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, bake a little longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  5. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the strawberry blondies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
    • Once cooled, cut into squares and serve!

Tips:

  • Strawberry Flavor: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries (make sure to thaw and drain them well before using).
  • Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or cream over the cooled blondies.
  • For a Healthier Version: You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier twist.

Notes:

  • Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: These strawberry blondies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 9 servings):

  • Calories: 220-250 kcal
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg