Banana Blondies

If you adore the natural sweetness and moist texture that bananas bring to desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love. These banana blondies combine the rich, buttery goodness of classic blondies with the warm, inviting flavor of ripe bananas, resulting in a treat that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. They are easy to whip up with pantry staples, and they offer a delightful twist on the traditional brownie, making them a perfect go-to when you want a sweet snack or an impressive dessert without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these banana blondies lies in simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma, making every bite irresistible. From the creamy melt of butter to the fragrant hint of cinnamon, these elements together form the foundation of a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup or 113g): Melted butter adds a rich, tender crumb and keeps the blondies moist.
• Brown sugar (1 cup or 200g, packed): Provides a deep sweetness and a hint of caramel that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• Ripe bananas (2, mashed): Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor; add a third for a bolder taste.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup or 125g): The structure of the blondies depends on this essential dry ingredient.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise slightly to a soft, tender texture.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Balances the acidity and aids in leavening.
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a cozy spice that pairs wonderfully with banana.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• Optional mix-ins (½ cup): Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to personalize your blondies.

How to Make Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your banana blondies don’t stick. This simple prep sets you up for easy cleanup and perfect slices.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth and slightly glossy. Then crack in the egg and add your vanilla extract, stirring well to combine. Fold in the mashed bananas carefully, making sure they blend evenly without overmixing.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon if using, and salt. This dry mixture is critical as it balances the sweetness and helps achieve that classic blondie texture.

Step 4: Bring the Mixtures Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in your chosen mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let your banana blondies cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing into squares. This resting time helps them firm up for perfect portions.

How to Serve Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Garnishes

Elevate these banana blondies with a variety of garnishes that enhance their flavor and presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can make each serving feel extra special. Fresh banana slices or a dollop of whipped cream are also fantastic options for a fresh, creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair beautifully with simple sides like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. For a cozy treat, serve with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. If you want to keep things light, a bowl of mixed berries adds a tangy brightness that compliments the bananas wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your banana blondies the star of any gathering by serving them in fun, creative ways. Try cutting them into bite-sized squares and threading them on decorative skewers for a grab-and-go dessert. You can also layer pieces in a parfait glass with yogurt and granola for a playful twist that’s perfect for brunch or a snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your banana blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, maintaining that coveted tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these blondies later, they freeze beautifully. Individually wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen banana blondies will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back their softness and warmth. They’re just as delightful on day two as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use ripe bananas that are very soft?

Yes, very ripe bananas are actually preferred as they’re sweeter and more flavorful, making them perfect for these banana blondies.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white granulated sugar, but adding a teaspoon of molasses will mimic the flavor more closely.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture results.

Is it possible to make these banana blondies vegan?

You can make vegan banana blondies by replacing the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and using a flax egg instead of the large egg.

Do these blondies freeze well?

Yes, these banana blondies freeze wonderfully, making them a perfect make-ahead treat that you can enjoy months down the road.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a banana fan or just looking for a charming dessert to share, Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love are a must-try. Their tender texture, warm flavors, and easy preparation will make them a fast favorite in your kitchen. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re one of the best simple banana dessert recipes to keep on your recipe list. So grab those ripe bananas and bake up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!

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