Irresistible Strawberries and Cream Blondies: The Perfect Summer Dessert Recipe

Discover the ultimate strawberries and cream blondies recipe that combines sweet, chewy blondies with fresh strawberries and creamy goodness. This homemade dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Find this recipe and more at www.bbrecipes.com.

Introduction

Picture this: you bite into a perfectly chewy, buttery blondie that’s studded with juicy strawberries and swirled with rich cream cheese. That’s exactly what you get with these heavenly strawberries and cream blondies. This recipe transforms the classic blondie into something extraordinary by incorporating fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese swirl that creates beautiful marbled patterns throughout each square.

These strawberries and cream blondies are the perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings, potluck dinners, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. The combination of vanilla-scented blondie base with tart-sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is how simple it is to prepare – you don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills to create these bakery-quality treats.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, these strawberries and cream blondies deliver consistent results every time. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dessert needs or weekend baking projects.

Ingredients

Blondie Base	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Brown sugar, packed	1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter, melted	1/2 cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Fresh strawberries, diced	1 1/2 cups

Cream Cheese Swirl	Amount
Cream cheese, softened	4 oz
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Large egg yolk	1
Vanilla extract	1/2 teaspoon

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 square, recipe makes 16 squares):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin C: 15mg (from strawberries)

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside while you prepare the blondie base.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then dice them into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. Pat the diced strawberries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the strawberries and cream blondies soggy.

Step 4: Mix the Blondie Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can result in tough blondies.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries Gently fold the diced strawberries into the blondie batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Assemble the Blondies Spread the blondie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the batter. Using a knife or toothpick, create swirl patterns by dragging through the cream cheese and blondie layers.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. The center should still be slightly soft – it will continue to cook from residual heat. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Serve Allow the strawberries and cream blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This ensures clean cuts and prevents the squares from falling apart. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Serving Suggestions

These strawberries and cream blondies are delicious on their own, but here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your dessert presentation:

Serve warm squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for dinner parties. The contrast between the warm blondie and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature variation that enhances the overall eating experience.

For a more elegant presentation, dust the cooled blondies with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves. This makes them perfect for brunch gatherings or afternoon tea parties.

Create a dessert platter by pairing these blondies with fresh berries, whipped cream, and other complementary treats. The strawberries and cream blondies work beautifully as part of a larger dessert spread for celebrations or family gatherings.

For casual occasions, pack individual squares in lunch boxes or picnic baskets. They travel well and maintain their texture, making them ideal for outdoor events or office treats.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Choose the Right Strawberries Select strawberries that are ripe but still firm. Overripe strawberries release too much juice during baking, which can make your strawberries and cream blondies soggy. Look for berries with bright red color and fresh green tops.

Tip 2: Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother cream cheese swirl and prevents lumps in your final product.

Tip 3: Don’t Overmix When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense blondies instead of the desired chewy texture.

Tip 4: Test for Doneness Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. The residual heat will finish cooking the center as they cool.

Tip 5: Storage Strategy Store cooled strawberries and cream blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Variation Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the blondie batter along with the strawberries. The chocolate complements the strawberries beautifully and adds extra richness to each bite.

Gluten-Free Alternative Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The strawberries and cream blondies will taste just as delicious with this simple substitution.

Lemon Variation Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the blondie batter and 1 teaspoon to the cream cheese mixture. The citrus brightens the flavors and pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.

Vegan Substitute Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), use vegan butter, and substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative.

Mixed Berry Version Combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry twist. Use the same total amount of fruit but vary the combination based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Frozen strawberries may release more juice during baking, so consider reducing the amount slightly.

Q: How do I know when the blondies are done? A: The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center appears slightly underdone. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These strawberries and cream blondies actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Why are my blondies too dry? A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry blondies. Check them at 28 minutes and remove from oven as soon as the edges are set. Also, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Baking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the pan size used.

Q: What’s the best way to cut clean squares? A: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra clean lines, chill the blondies for 30 minutes before cutting.

Conclusion

These strawberries and cream blondies represent the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make for an unforgettable dessert experience. The combination of chewy blondie base, fresh strawberries, and creamy swirl creates a treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated enough for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and accessibility. With common ingredients and straightforward techniques, anyone can create these bakery-quality strawberries and cream blondies in their own kitchen. The visual appeal of the cream cheese swirl combined with the burst of fresh strawberry flavor makes these blondies a showstopper that will impress family and friends alike.

Don’t wait for a special occasion to try this recipe – gather your ingredients today and experience the joy of homemade strawberries and cream blondies. Share your results with us and explore more incredible recipes at www.bbrecipes.com, where you’ll find countless other delicious creations to expand your baking repertoire. Happy baking!