Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, it hits me—this is pure comfort in a pan. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Banana Bread Blondies, a delightful twist that brings together the best of classic banana bread and fudgy blondies. This quick, one-bowl dessert not only satisfies that sweet tooth but is effortlessly adaptable; whether you prefer it gluten-free or packed with chocolate chips, it caters to every craving. Serving these blondies is a guaranteed way to steal the spotlight at any gathering or simply to treat yourself on a cozy evening. Will you choose to indulge with or without a drizzle of that irresistible brown butter frosting? Why Are These Blondies So Irresistible? Uniquely delicious: These Banana Bread Blondies merge the classic tastes of banana bread with the rich texture of fudgy blondies, creating something remarkably satisfying. Quick and easy: They come together in one bowl, making prep a breeze—perfect for busy bakers or last-minute cravings. Versatile options: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even coconut to match your mood and taste preferences. Guilt-free indulgence: With ripe bananas cutting down on added sugars, you can enjoy these delicious blondies knowing they’re a slightly healthier dessert! Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a party or a cozy night in, serving these blondies is sure to wow your guests, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream. For an even more delightful treat, check out my Banana Walnut Muffins. Banana Bread Blondies Ingredients • Get ready to make magic with these delightful treats! For the Blondies Ripe Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for optimal banana flavor, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness with a caramel-like flavor; light brown sugar can be used if needed. Cinnamon – Enhances the overall flavor; swap it out for nutmeg if you want a different aroma. All-Purpose Flour – Gives the blondies their structure; feel free to use gluten-free flour for a fantastic alternative. Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness; consider browning it for a deeper flavor profile. Egg – Binds everything together and adds richness; a flax egg works as a great vegan substitute. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor; always go for pure vanilla extract for the best results. Salt – Essential for balancing the sweetness; don’t skip it! Powdered Sugar – Used in the frosting to create a creamy texture; you can skip it if you prefer a lighter treat. For the Brown Butter Frosting Brown Butter – Enhance this frosting’s flavor; be sure to brown it correctly for a rich taste. Powdered Sugar – Essential for achieving that smooth, sweet frosting texture; sifting it will help mix evenly. Milk (or Non-Dairy Alternative) – Use to adjust the frosting consistency; a splash of milk makes it creamy! Enjoy crafting your Banana Bread Blondies and watch as they become a delightful staple in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Blondies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan Begin your delicious journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This simple step ensures that your Banana Bread Blondies will come out perfectly without sticking! Step 2: Mash the Bananas In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Aim for a creamy texture with few lumps, as this will add natural sweetness and moisture to your blondies. The vibrant banana scent will already start filling your kitchen with delightful warmth! Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients Melt unsalted butter in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop, then pour it into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until you have a smooth and homogenous mixture. The warmth of the butter will help blend the ingredients beautifully. Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients Next, slowly incorporate all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt into your banana mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients in with a spatula until they are just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter should be thick and shiny, perfectly capturing the essence of your Banana Bread Blondies. Step 5: Transfer the Batter Carefully pour the blondie batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner. Smooth out the top for a nice finish, ensuring an even bake. The vibrant yellow hue of the batter will build anticipation for those fudgy blondies! Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden, setting the stage for your perfect Banana Bread Blondies. Step 7: Cool and Frost Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. If desired, prepare your brown butter frosting while they cool for that extra indulgent touch. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy After the blondies are completely cooled, cut them into squares. You can frost them with your luscious brown butter frosting or enjoy them as-is for a lighter option. Either way, your moist and fudgy Banana Bread Blondies are now ready to steal the show and bring joy to your day! How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Blondies Room Temperature: Store your Banana Bread Blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and moist for quick snacking! Fridge: For longer lasting freshness, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying. Freezer: Wrap individual blondie squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for a sweet treat on demand! Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm. This will restore that gooey, fudgy texture that everyone loves! Make Ahead Options These Banana Bread Blondies are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can mash the ripe bananas and combine the wet ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dry ingredients can also be pre-measured and mixed separately, making it easy to just combine everything when you’re ready to bake. If you’ve already baked the blondies, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. When it’s time to enjoy, simply cut them into squares and top with the brown butter frosting for a delightful treat, just as delicious as when they were fresh! Banana Bread Blondies Customization Ideas Feel free to unleash your creativity with these banana bread blondies and make them fit your taste and dietary preferences. Chocolate Chip Bliss: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a gooey chocolate surprise that pairs beautifully with the bananas. It’s a comforting combination that will make each bite decadent. Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor. The nuttiness complements the soft blondies perfectly! Coconut Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical flair. This twist enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful chewiness that’s hard to resist. Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these blondies suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters. Everyone deserves a slice of heaven! Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative, ensuring that all guests can enjoy these treats. It also adds a lovely subtle flavor! Spice It Up: Try adding cardamom or ginger for a warm spice note, providing an unexpected zing and depth to your blondies. It’s a fantastic way to experiment with flavors! Swirls of Nutella: For a special touch, swirl in some Nutella or peanut butter right before baking. The creamy richness enhances the fudgy texture beautifully. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust that adds a delightful contrast to the blonde interior. With these variations, you can turn your banana bread blondies into something extraordinary every time! And if you’re seeking more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my delicious Protein Banana Bread or the delightful Apple Fritter Bread for additional ideas. Tips for the Best Banana Bread Blondies Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe. This enhances sweetness and moisture, creating an irresistible flavor in your Banana Bread Blondies. Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to maintain that desired fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Brown the Butter: Take the time to brown your butter for the frosting. This step adds a layer of richness that elevates the flavor profile immensely. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with moist crumbs, your blondies are perfectly baked and won’t be dry. Add Mix-ins Wisely: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently after mixing the batter to avoid overmixing. What to Serve with Moist Banana Bread Blondies Indulge your taste buds and elevate your dessert experience by pairing these irresistible blondies with delightful accompaniments. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm blondies, adding a luscious contrast that enhances every bite. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness, making each bite a burst of flavor. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the blondies for an extra layer of sweetness—this rich addition is pure decadence! Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream acts as a delightful fluffy topping, complementing the fudgy texture of the blondies beautifully. Chocolate Chips: Serve warm blondies with a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips for added richness; they’ll melt into gooey pockets of bliss. Coffee or Espresso: Brew a cup of strong coffee or espresso to enjoy alongside your blondies. The robust flavor elevates the dessert experience, creating a comforting pairing. Chai Tea: The warming spices of chai tea beautifully complement the cinnamon in the blondies, making each bite feel like a cozy hug. Nutella drizzle: A luxurious drizzle of Nutella adds a chocolaty goodness that not only tastes amazing, but also looks beautiful atop the blondies. Chopped Nuts: Top the blondies with chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor in a wonderful contrast. Banana Bread Blondies Recipe FAQs What kind of bananas should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the most robust flavor in your Banana Bread Blondies, use very ripe bananas. They should have lots of brown spots and be soft to the touch, as this indicates maximum natural sweetness and moisture, making your blondies all the more delicious. How should I store my Banana Bread Blondies? To keep your Banana Bread Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying, as this will help restore their texture. Can I freeze Banana Bread Blondies? Yes, you can! To freeze your Banana Bread Blondies, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm—a perfect treat on demand! What if my blondies turn out too dry? Very! If your blondies end up dry, it might be due to overbaking or overmixing the batter. To avoid this, keep an eye on the baking time—start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. If you prefer a fudgier texture, stick to the recipe and don’t overmix; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Are these Blondies friendly for different dietary needs? Yes! This Banana Bread Blondies recipe is easily adaptable. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version. Additionally, this recipe has minimal added sugars thanks to the ripe bananas, making it a heart-friendly choice! Moist Banana Bread Blondies to Brighten Your Day Delightful Banana Bread Blondies blend classic banana bread with fudgy texture, making for a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 16 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Blondies3 medium Ripe Bananas Use very ripe bananas for optimal flavor.1 cup Brown Sugar Light brown sugar can be used if needed.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Swap for nutmeg if preferred.1 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Brown for deeper flavor.1 large Egg A flax egg works as a vegan substitute.2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best results.1/2 teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing sweetness.1 cup Powdered Sugar Used for the frosting.For the Brown Butter Frosting1/4 cup Brown Butter Enhances frosting flavor.1 cup Powdered Sugar Sifting helps mix evenly.2 tablespoons Milk Use to adjust frosting consistency. Equipment 8x8-inch baking panMixing bowlSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.Melt unsalted butter and mix it with the mashed bananas, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.Fold in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt until just combined.Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy or frost with brown butter frosting. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese blondies can be adapted with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to match your preferences. Enjoy a guilt-free treat with natural sweetness from ripe bananas! Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
