Craving a sweet and simple treat? Look no further than these Banana Bread Blondies! With ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla, youβll whip up a delicious dessert that combines the best of banana bread and blondies. Whether for a cozy family night or an easy snack, this recipe offers warmth and flavor in each bite. Ready to satisfy your taste buds? Letβs dive into this easy baking adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime you have ripe bananas on hand.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of bananas and melted butter ensures these blondies are incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, tailoring the recipe to your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: These blondies are great for parties or gatherings, easily cut into squares and served.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bananas are the star of this dish. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor. Brown sugar gives these blondies a rich taste and a soft texture. Unsalted butter keeps the balance of flavors just right. The egg helps bind everything together, while vanilla extract adds a nice touch of warmth.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flour is the base of your blondies. It gives them structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. A bit of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Mix-ins add fun and texture. You can use chopped nuts for a crunch. Chocolate chips bring a sweet surprise. Feel free to skip these or swap them for your favorites.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Grease an 8Γ8 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in the brown sugar until it blends well.
- Add the melted butter and stir until combined.
- Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Combining Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Slowly add this dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this could make the blondies tough.
Final Steps
- If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This adds great flavor and texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the blondies are done.
- Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
How to avoid overmixing
To keep your blondies soft, mix gently. Stir until just combined. Overmixing makes them dense. Use a spatula to fold in dry ingredients. This helps keep air in the batter.
Ensuring even baking
To bake evenly, spread the batter well in the pan. Use an 8Γ8 inch pan for best results. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent heat. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Texture and Flavor Enhancements
Using different types of nuts
Chopped walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch. You can also try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut gives a unique flavor to your blondies. Choose your favorite for a personal touch.
Substituting chocolate chips with other ingredients
If you want something new, swap chocolate chips. Try dried fruit like cranberries or apricots. You can also use white chocolate for a different taste. Experiment with what you love!
Presentation Ideas
Garnishing options
Dust your blondies with powdered sugar for a pretty look. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top. Fresh fruit adds color and flavor too. Get creative to make them eye-catching.
Serving suggestions
Serve your blondies warm for a cozy treat. They taste great at room temperature too. Pair them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This adds a delightful creaminess!
Pro Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be. Look for bananas that are brown and spotty for the best results.
- Donβt Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies instead of the desired chewy texture.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your blondies with different mix-ins like dried fruits, white chocolate chips, or coconut flakes for a unique twist.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready!

Variations
Gluten-Free Option
To make gluten-free banana bread blondies, you can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Some great options include:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
When using these flours, check the package for specific ratios. Gluten-free flours may need different amounts of liquid or binding agents.
Vegan Adaptation
If you want to make vegan banana bread blondies, use these plant-based swaps:
- Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- Ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
These substitutes keep your blondies moist and tasty, just like the original recipe.
Flavor Variations
You can add unique flavors to your blondies. Here are some fun ideas:
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Fold in fruit purees like apple or pumpkin to boost moisture and taste.
- Add a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
These tweaks let you customize your blondies to fit your mood or season!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your banana bread blondies fresh at room temperature, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them warm, heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Long-term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is your best option. Cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for about three months. To defrost, take them out and leave them at room temperature. You can also microwave them for a quick treat.
Shelf Life
Banana bread blondies last up to four days at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. To maintain freshness, use airtight containers or freezer bags. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime!
FAQs
What is the difference between banana bread and blondies?
Banana bread is a moist loaf made with mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs. It has a dense texture and is often baked in a loaf pan. Blondies are chewy bars that mix ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, with or without chocolate. They are sweeter and have a softer, fudgy texture compared to banana bread.
Can I freeze banana bread blondies?
Yes, you can freeze banana bread blondies. Once they cool, cut them into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven.
How do I know when my blondies are baked?
To check if blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. The edges may look slightly golden, and the top should appear set and not shiny. Avoid overbaking, as they can dry out quickly.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try these options:
- 1/4 cup applesauce per egg
- 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes)
These substitutes work well and keep your blondies moist and tasty!
This blog post covered how to make delicious banana bread blondies. You learned about the main and dry ingredients. I shared step-by-step baking instructions and key tips to enhance flavor and texture. We also explored variations for gluten-free and vegan diets. Remember to store your blondies properly for the best taste and texture. Baking can be fun and creative. Now, itβs your turn to try these recipes and enjoy the sweet result

Banana Bread Blondies
IngredientsΒ Β
- 2 none ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 4 teaspoon salt
- 1 2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
InstructionsΒ
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and brown sugar, stirring until well blended.
- Add the melted butter and mix thoroughly.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using) for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.


