If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Banana Blondies Recipe is exactly what you need. These blondies are perfectly moist, bursting with ripe banana flavor, and have a sweet caramel-like richness from brown sugar that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a banana fanatic or just love a good, chewy treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that makes every bite utterly irresistible. It’s a delightful twist on traditional blondies, turning them into something special you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Blondies Recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples, but each one plays a vital part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely golden color. From the creamy butter to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Brings richness and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweetness and brings warmth to the flavor.
- Ripe bananas (2-3): The star of the recipe, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the necessary bulk and structure.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise just enough for lightness.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Balances the acidity of bananas and assists with leavening.
- Optional: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips: Adds texture and extra flavor if you like a little crunch or chocolate hit.
How to Make Banana Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and make it easier to slice beautifully once baked.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
Melt the butter and combine it with the brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth—this blend is the foundation that gives your blondies a superbly tender texture and that luscious caramel flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Then fold in your mashed ripe bananas. The bananas bring moistness and a natural sweetness that makes these blondies truly stand out.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This mix ensures even rising and the right balance in taste and texture.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the blondies dense, so be gentle. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point for extra delight.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden top and a toothpick coming out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to set properly. This step makes slicing easier and keeps the blondies chewy and tender with clean edges.
How to Serve Banana Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your banana blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a lovely finishing touch. Toasted nuts sprinkled on top bring an inviting crunch and a stunning look.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream to turn them into an indulgent dessert. Fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt add a refreshing balance if you’d rather keep it lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the banana blondies into layered parfaits by crumbling them between layers of yogurt and fruit. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces and thread onto skewers alternating with fresh fruit for a playful party treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover banana blondies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture while keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat any time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your blondies warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This warms the banana flavor and softens the blondie to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily, which makes them ideal for this recipe.
What if I don’t have baking powder or baking soda?
The leavening agents help your blondies rise and keep them light. You could try using just one, but results may vary and the texture might be a bit denser.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to keep the texture similar while catering to gluten sensitivities.
Are these banana blondies suitable for freezing?
They freeze very well! Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn and thaw fully before serving for best taste and texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts brings wonderful texture and flavor bursts that complement the banana beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Blondies Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift of comfort and deliciousness. The blend of banana sweetness, buttery caramel notes, and that chewy texture will easily become a staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and enjoy every bite of these utterly delightful blondies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Banana Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and flavorful banana blondies made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla. These blondies offer a soft, chewy texture with optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for added indulgence. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly before folding in the mashed ripe bananas to the wet mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender texture. Fold in optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the optional nuts or use chocolate chips only.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat slightly before serving to enhance softness and flavor.
