Banana blondies are the ultimate sweet treat, combining the rich flavors of banana with the buttery goodness of blondies. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey square that dances on your taste buds with hints of caramel and vanilla. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to join in for a delightful experience.
I remember the first time I made banana blondies for a potluck. My friends were skeptical at first but ended up devouring the entire batch! These treats are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights with loved ones, promising smiles and satisfied cravings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana blondies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion
- Their rich flavor profile will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds)
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown hue, they look fantastic on any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips
When I first introduced these banana blondies to my family, their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Opt for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
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Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for a rich and moist texture that enhances the blondie’s buttery goodness.
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Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds depth and moisture; light or dark brown sugar both work wonderfully!
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Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the richness of brown sugar and helps achieve that perfect texture.
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Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together, lending structure while keeping the blondies soft and chewy.
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Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on this! Quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile tremendously.
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All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here; it gives those blondies their structure without being too dense.
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Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon helps these treats rise slightly while remaining delightfully chewy.
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Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors; it’s essential even in sweet recipes!
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Nuts or Chocolate Chips (Optional): Feel free to add walnuts or chocolate chips to jazz things up based on your mood!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; they add character! Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Add both sugars into the banana mixture and mix well until everything is blended beautifully. You’ll want to see that lovely caramel color shining through!
Crack in those eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla extract next; take a moment to enjoy its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula—be gentle so you don’t overmix!
If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to fold in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or slightly gooey if you prefer!). Let them cool completely before slicing into squares.
Serve these delightful banana blondies warm or at room temperature—they’re irresistibly good either way! Enjoy every bite as they melt in your mouth like warm hugs from grandma!
You Must Know
- Banana blondies are a game changer for using overripe bananas
- Their chewy texture and sweet flavor are irresistible, making them a perfect snack or dessert
- You can easily whip them up in under an hour, and they disappear just as quickly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mash the bananas. This ensures even baking and saves time. Mix dry ingredients first, then fold in the wet ones for a smooth blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in chocolate chips or nuts to customize your blondies. You could even experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover banana blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the microwave when needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and flavor in your banana blondies
- Avoid overmixing to keep them tender; a few lumps are okay
- Let them cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges
It was one rainy afternoon when my friend brought over some extra ripe bananas and suggested we bake together, leading to our banana blondies obsession that still brings us joy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana blondies?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture before mashing to maintain texture.
How do I know when my banana blondies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other mix-ins to my blondies?
Absolutely! Nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits work great in banana blondies.
Banana Blondies
Banana blondies are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the buttery goodness of classic blondies. These gooey, caramel-hued treats are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in, these blondies will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then mix in the melted butter.
- Stir in both sugars until well combined, then add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or slightly gooey.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
