Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

If you’re looking for a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, you’ve come to the right place! These Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love are my go-to treat for any occasion. They’re chewy, sweet, and incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they make your kitchen smell heavenly!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy them just as they are or customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a cozy night at home, these blondies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious blondies in the oven in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will adore the sweet banana flavor and chewy texture.
• Customizable: Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor—make it your own!
• Perfect for leftovers: These blondies stay fresh for days, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or snacks.
• No fuss baking: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your yummy creations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients:
– ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or 3 for stronger banana flavor)
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Optional mix-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best things about this banana blondie recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love most.

• Add some crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Make it chocolatey: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a rich twist that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
• Go tropical: Mix in shredded coconut or even some diced pineapple for a fun tropical vibe.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking. While the oven heats up, line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan so that your blondies will come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. This creates a lovely caramel-like base. Then add the egg and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in those mashed bananas! The bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture, making these blondies wonderfully chewy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed before combining with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to combine! Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our blondies soft and chewy! If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold those in gently now as well.

Step 5: Bake Your Blondies

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake them for about 25–30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Just keep an eye on them—the smell alone will be tempting!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your blondies cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes before slicing them into squares. This cooling period helps set their texture. Now it’s time to dig in—enjoy these delightful banana blondies with friends or savor them all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some pro tips to help you create the best banana blondies ever!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be. They also mash more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Mix just until combined for that perfect chewy texture.

• Try different mix-ins: Experimenting with mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts can add texture and flavor variety to your blondies.

• Cool before slicing: Allowing your blondies to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes helps them firm up. This way, you’ll get clean slices without crumbling.

• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to a week. This helps retain their moistness.

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

Presenting your banana blondies can make a delightful difference! Here are some creative serving ideas that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and makes these treats look irresistible.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top provides a crunchy contrast to the soft blondies.
• Fresh banana slices: Adding a few fresh banana slices on top not only looks beautiful but enhances the banana flavor too!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm blondies beautifully and adds a creamy texture that everyone loves.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the blondies elevates their sweetness and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side offers a tangy contrast, making it a delicious and healthier option.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can lighten up the dessert experience and balance out the richness of the blondies.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful banana blondies! Remember, baking should be joyful, so don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends or try out different variations. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These banana blondies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them an excellent option for snacks, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Cut the blondies into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a blondie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for an extra special dessert!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while preparing these delicious banana blondies.

Can I use frozen bananas in Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love?

Yes! Just thaw your frozen bananas and mash them well before adding them to the batter. This can actually enhance the banana flavor!

What can I substitute for butter in this Banana Blondies recipe?

You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Both will give you a moist texture while keeping it dairy-free.

How do I know when my Banana Blondies are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Don’t worry if it’s slightly moist; that’s how they stay chewy!

Can I add other flavors to these Banana Blondies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like nutmeg. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these banana blondies! They are not only easy to whip up but also bring out that comforting banana flavor we all love. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy snack at home, these blondies are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family!