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- 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. - 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. - 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. - 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. - 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. - 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! 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 8x8 inch pan for best results. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent heat. Check for doneness with a toothpick. 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! 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. Don’t 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! {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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, it’s your turn to try these recipes and enjoy the sweet results!

Banana Bread Blondies

Delicious blondies made with ripe bananas, brown sugar, and optional nuts and chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°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.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness!
Keyword baking, banana, blondies, dessert