These Lemon Blackberry Blondies are a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and rich flavors, featuring juicy blackberries and a zesty lemon kick. With a smooth lemon glaze on top, these moist, flavorful blondies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them for dessert, sharing at a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These blondies offer the best of both worlds: the sweetness of a blondie combined with the tartness of fresh lemon and juicy blackberries. The blackberry flavor is perfectly complemented by the bright, citrusy notes from the lemon zest and juice, while the smooth lemon glaze adds an irresistible finishing touch. They are easy to make, moist, and the perfect balance of flavors. Lemon Blackberry Blondies

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

1⅓ cups frozen blackberries
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Glaze:

1 cup confectioners sugar
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice (or as needed)
1 tablespoon heavy cream (or as needed)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the blondies out easily later.

2. Prepare the Blackberries:

In a microwave-safe bowl, place the frozen blackberries and microwave for about 2 minutes, until thawed. Do not drain the juice.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and salt using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the thawed blackberries with their juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue beating for about 3 minutes, until the blackberries break down and are fully incorporated. The mixture may appear slightly curdled.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients:

Mix in the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder on low speed until just combined.

5. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the blondies are puffed, golden, and almost set but still soft in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, about 20 minutes.

6. Make the Glaze:

While the blondies are cooling, whisk together the confectioners sugar, salt, lemon juice, and heavy cream until smooth. Add more lemon juice or heavy cream as needed to achieve a pourable consistency.

7. Glaze and Serve:

Once the blondies have cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes.
Lift the blondies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 pieces.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cool Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 blondies

Variations

Add nuts: For extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter before baking.
Use other berries: You can substitute the blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a different berry twist.
Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for an egg replacement.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh blackberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh blackberries work perfectly in this recipe. You may need to reduce the microwaving time slightly, depending on their moisture content.

2. How do I prevent the blackberries from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing the blackberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter can help prevent them from sinking during baking.

3. Can I make these blondies without the glaze?

Yes, the blondies will still be delicious without the glaze. You can also drizzle a little honey or powdered sugar over the top for sweetness if you prefer.

4. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch, though the texture may be slightly different. The cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender blondie.

5. How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when they are golden brown, puffed, and set around the edges, but still soft in the center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the batter come to room temperature before baking.

7. Can I freeze these blondies?

Yes, you can freeze the blondies for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor, but it may change the texture slightly.

9. How do I make these blondies more tangy?

To add more tanginess, increase the amount of lemon juice or zest in the batter or glaze. You can also add a bit of lemon extract for extra lemony flavor.

10. Can I use non-dairy cream for the glaze?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version of the glaze.

Conclusion

Lemon Blackberry Blondies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a blend of tart and sweet. The combination of juicy blackberries and zesty lemon, paired with a smooth glaze, makes for a refreshing and indulgent dessert. Whether you’re enjoying them for a special occasion or a sweet snack, these blondies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!