If you adore the comforting warmth of banana bread but crave something a little more decadent and chewy, the Banana Bread Blondies Recipe is your new best friend. These blondies combine the rich flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and brown sugar into a luscious bar that’s silky on the inside with a slightly crisp edge. It’s an effortlessly delightful twist that merges classic banana bread sweetness with the portable convenience of a blondie, making it perfect for any occasion from afternoon tea to a casual dessert. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for this recipe are simple pantry staples, each playing a key role in bringing out the incredible taste, texture, and inviting color of the blondies. Using melted butter and light brown sugar creates a deep caramel flavor, while cinnamon adds just the right warmth, and mashed banana infuses all the richness and moisture you expect from banana bread.
- Melted unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps keep the blondies tender and moist.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor for that classic blondie depth.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet flavors and rounds out the batter beautifully.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, bringing everything together and adding lift.
- Mashed banana (½ cup): The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and moisture, creating that perfect banana bread flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Builds structure so your blondies set up just right without being cakey.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (1½ – 2 teaspoons): Injects warm spice, making the blondies irresistibly cozy and aromatic.
How to Make Banana Bread Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spraying the foil with cooking spray ensures your blondies will lift right out once baked, making slicing easier and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Butter, Sugar, and Salt
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and salt. Stirring these ingredients well is crucial because that blend forms the sweet, buttery base of your blondies, inspiring the signature caramel notes.
Step 3: Add the Flavoring Ingredients
Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into your butter and sugar mixture. Mixing these until just combined maintains a tender texture while making sure the warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla spread evenly throughout your batter.
Step 4: Fold in the Mashed Banana
Next, gently fold in the mashed banana. This step infuses your blondies with the moist, unmistakable banana bread goodness and keeps the batter soft and luscious.
Step 5: Add Flour and Combine
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, folding it in carefully until the batter is smooth without overmixing. This ensures a delicate crumb and that perfect bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the blondies are set in the center but still soft. This baking time gives you that ideal chewy center with slightly crisp edges that make blondies so addictive. Once done, let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 7: Prepare the Indulgent Frosting
While the blondies cool, melt some additional butter over medium heat until it turns a beautiful amber color, then mix in brown sugar, milk, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil before letting it cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a luscious frosting that perfectly complements the banana and cinnamon flavors.
Step 8: Frost, Set, and Slice
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies and allow it to set completely. Once the frosting firms up, slice the blondies into squares and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as delightful in flavor as it is in appearance.
How to Serve Banana Bread Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Banana Bread Blondies Recipe presentation, consider sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and nutty undertones. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also add a sophisticated touch that invites admiring glances before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an especially indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a warm cup of chai tea also complement the blondies nicely, balancing their sweetness with fresh and spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your blondies in a rustic wooden board arrangement with slices of fresh banana and a small bowl of caramel sauce on the side for dipping. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for an adorable gift or party favor. These little touches make the experience as joyful as the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Banana Bread Blondies Recipe squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days without any loss of flavor or texture. For longer storage, keep them covered well in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing
If you want to stash these blondies for longer periods, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months, ready to thaw gently before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen blondies like freshly baked, let them thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick step revives the soft texture and enhances the cozy aroma that makes this recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re extra sweet and soft, which enhances the banana flavor and moisture content in the blondies. They work beautifully in this recipe.
Is it necessary to add the frosting?
The frosting is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor. The blondies are delicious on their own, but the frosting truly takes them to the next level.
Can I substitute other spices for cinnamon?
You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice if cinnamon isn’t your favorite. Just keep the total amount similar to maintain the balance of flavor without overpowering the banana.
How do I know when the blondies are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown color around the edges and a set surface. Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This means the blondies are perfectly chewy and not overbaked.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Blondies Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting, incredibly moist, and packed with flavor. It’s just the kind of treat to brighten any day and impress friends and family alike. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy banana bread!
Print
Banana Bread Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously moist Banana Bread Blondies with a warm cinnamon flavor and a rich brown sugar frosting. These blondies combine the comforting taste of banana bread in a chewy, bar form that’s perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Blondies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup mashed banana (about one medium-large banana)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ – 2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
Frosting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients and sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and salt. Stir well until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla, and cinnamon: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is completely combined.
- Incorporate banana and flour: Fold in the mashed banana gently, then gradually add the all-purpose flour. Stir until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the blondies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the blondies: Remove from oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to firm up before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt additional butter until amber-colored. Stir in brown sugar, milk, and salt, bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost and serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Let the frosting set, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the blondies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, use the full 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- You can substitute mashed ripe banana with banana puree if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk in the frosting.
