Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with pan spray.

2. Combine ¾ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in a small bowl until the sugar becomes fragrant.

3. In a large bowl, cream ½ cup unsalted butter, and lemon sugar together on high with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes, until the butter is light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until combined.

4. Add ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. Mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and fold in ½ cup fresh strawberries, by hand until evenly distributed in the batter.

5. Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The timing will depend on your specific oven. Let the blondies cool completely before topping with the icing.

6. Prepare the icing in a small bowl by whisking ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 ½ teaspoon strawberry jam together until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled blondies and then cut into pieces and serve.