There’s something special about the tantalizing aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and these Chewy Banana Blondies are no exception. The first time I pulled a batch from the oven, I was met with a beautiful golden hue and a soft, gooey center that beckoned for a bite. With ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this easy dessert comes together in just an hour, making it a fantastic alternative to the mundane banana bread we’ve all made (and loved) a million times before.
Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a pick-me-up after a hectic workday, these blondies are incredibly versatile. You can customize them to fit your taste by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or whatever delightful mix-ins your heart desires. So grab those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite!
Why love Banana Blondies so much?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just an hour, making it perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, creating endless flavor combinations that suit everyone’s tastes.
Gooey Goodness: Expect a delightful texture with crispy edges and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth – a treat for the senses!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or a just-because treat, these blondies are loved by all ages.
Healthy Twist: Looking for a lighter option? Try using gluten-free flour or reduce the sugar for a guilt-free dessert. Explore more healthy dessert recipes.
Banana Blondies Ingredients
• Ready to create a delicious batch of banana blondies? Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Blondie Batter
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 113g) – Adds richness and moisture. Substitution: Can replace some with applesauce for a lower fat option.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup or 200g) – Sweetens the blondies with a deep, molasses flavor. Note: Packed tightly ensures accuracy.
- Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients together and enhances richness.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Ripe Bananas (2-3) – The core flavor source; the riper, the better! Note: Mash until smooth and consider using 3 for an intensified banana taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup or 125g) – Provides structure. Substitution: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon) & Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon) – Important leavening agents that help the blondies rise.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional) – Adds a warm, comforting taste. Omit if you’re looking for a simpler flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Amplifies the sweetness of the blondies.
Optional Mix-Ins
- Chopped Nuts (½ cup) – Choose your favorite, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips (½ cup) – Mix these in for a delightful chocolatey contrast to the banana blondies.
Get ready to whip up these delightful banana blondies! They bring comfort and joy in every chewy bite.
How to Make Banana Blondies
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked blondie! Line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then stir in 2-3 mashed ripe bananas for that delicious base.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, blend together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of optional cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will create a lovely drier mixture.
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Incorporate Mixtures: Gently add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined; you want to keep it light and fluffy, so avoid overmixing!
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Add Mix-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips, giving your blondies that extra layer of flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool & Slice: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares. This will help them firm up a bit more for easier serving.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-savory kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Banana Blondies?
These sweet treats come alive with the right pairings that enhance their rich, chewy goodness while adding delightful contrasts.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream balances the warm, gooey blondies, creating a classic warm-cold dessert experience.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over your blondies brings an indulgent twist, enhancing flavor with every bite.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the blondies.
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Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee offers a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness, making it an ideal afternoon or after-dinner treat.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a silky sweetness that enhances the banana flavors and creates pure bliss in each bite.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, coconut whipped cream offers a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the banana base.
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Nuts: Serving with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans delivers an added crunch and depth of flavor, amplifying the texture of the blondies.
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Herbal Tea: A fragrant cup of herbal tea would add a soothing element, making for a delightful way to wind down the day.
These pairings can elevate your banana blondie experience and transform it into a memorable moment of indulgence!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Blondies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights much easier! You can mash the ripe bananas and mix together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers. Additionally, you can pre-melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar, keeping it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to combine everything. When you’re prepared to bake, simply whisk in the egg, add the bananas, and fold in any mix-ins before baking. This method ensures your blondies taste just as delicious as if made fresh!
Expert Tips for Banana Blondies
- Ripe Bananas Only: Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots to ensure maximum flavor. Avoid firm bananas, as they won’t provide the sweetness needed for perfect banana blondies.
- Perfect Mixing: Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. This keeps your blondies tender and light instead of tough.
- Baking Time Matters: Keep an eye on the oven! Slightly underbaking will yield a wonderfully gooey center. Let them cool, as they firm up afterward.
- Customize Wisely: When adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, try to keep the total additions under a cup to maintain the blondie’s structure and texture.
- Cooling Importance: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them. This makes for cleaner cuts and a better presentation!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Blondies
Room Temperature: Store your banana blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.
Fridge: For a longer shelf life, place the blondies in the fridge where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped!
Freezer: If you want to freeze them, wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months, ready for a quick treat anytime!
Reheating: To enjoy your banana blondies warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, which enhances that gooey goodness.
Banana Blondies Variations
Feel free to get creative with your banana blondies and make them truly your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously tender treat everyone can enjoy.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a scrumptiously rich twist that chocolate lovers will rave about!
- Nutty Delight: Mix in ½ cup of your favorite chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg for a completely dairy-free option.
- Fruity Burst: Enhance the fruitiness by adding ½ cup of crushed pineapple or dried cranberries to the batter for a refreshing surprise.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your blondies a surprising and exciting heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet banana flavor.
- Cinnamon Roll Style: Swirl a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar through the batter before baking for a delightful cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top after baking for an indulgent finishing touch that takes your blondies to the next level!
Banana Blondies Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! You want to use very ripe bananas with lots of dark spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your blondies will be, giving them that rich banana flavor we all love. If your bananas are too firm, you can roast them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes until they soften.
How should I store my banana blondies?
To keep your banana blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze banana blondies, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze banana blondies! Simply wrap each individual blondie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to revive their gooey texture.
What should I do if my blondies turn out too dry?
If your banana blondies come out dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking them too long. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. If you notice that they are slightly underbaked (a toothpick should have a few moist crumbs), that’s your cue to take them out! Don’t forget, they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Are banana blondies safe for people with nut allergies?
Definitely! You can easily make banana blondies nut-free by simply omitting any nuts. If you’re using chocolate chips, be sure to check that they are nut-free as well, as some brands may include traces of allergens. Always read labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Very much so! To make gluten-free banana blondies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you choose is formulated for baking, as it will offer similar structure and texture. Enjoy your delicious dessert worry-free!
Banana Blondies: Quick and Chewy Bliss in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8x8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then stir in 2-3 mashed ripe bananas.
- In another bowl, blend together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Gently add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares.
