Welcome to the ultimate Banana Blondies Recipe, your new favorite way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Forget banana bread for a moment and imagine a treat with the chewy, fudgy texture of a brownie but infused with the sweet, comforting flavor of bananas and rich brown sugar. These blondies are incredibly moist, easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is designed for foolproof success.
This simple, one-bowl recipe delivers perfectly dense and chewy banana blondies every single time. We’ll walk through every step, from browning the butter for an extra nutty flavor to knowing the exact moment to pull them from the oven. Get ready to bake a batch of pure comfort!
Why This Is the Best Banana Blondies Recipe
There are many blondie recipes out there, but this one stands out. We focus on a few key techniques that elevate it from good to absolutely irresistible. The use of melted butter ensures a chewy, dense texture, while a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar provides that classic caramel-like depth and incredible moistness. It’s the perfect middle ground between a classic blondie and cozy banana bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the secret to a fudgy texture. Browning it first is optional but adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
- Light Brown Sugar: This provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that is essential for any good blondie.
- Granulated Sugar: A little white sugar helps the edges get that perfect, slightly crisp texture.
- Egg: One large egg binds everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Very Ripe Banana: The darker and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide the most flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: A non-negotiable for adding warmth and depth to baked goods.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Baking Powder: Gives just a little bit of lift without making the blondies cakey.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or white chocolate chips all work wonderfully. We love adding a handful of white chocolate chips for a creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Banana Blondies
Making this Banana Blondies Recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results!
- Prep Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to use as handles later. This makes removing the blondies a breeze.
- Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. For extra flavor, you can brown the butter in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat until it smells nutty and has little brown bits at the bottom.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk until fully combined. Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Mash the ripe banana in a separate small bowl, then stir it into the wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt directly to the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. It’s very important not to overmix the batter; stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Add Mix-ins: If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use the spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges should be golden brown and set.
- Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! You must let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set properly, ensuring a clean cut and that perfectly chewy, fudgy texture. Once cool, use the parchment paper handles to lift them out of the pan.
Tips for the Chewiest, Most Flavorful Blondies
Want to guarantee your banana blondies are the best on the block? Follow these expert tips.
Use Overripe Bananas
This is the most important tip for any banana baking. The bananas should be heavily spotted or even completely black. This is when they have the highest sugar content and the most intense banana flavor, which is crucial for this recipe. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the peels turn black.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough, cakey blondie instead of a dense, chewy one. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. A few streaks of flour are better than an over-worked batter.
Don’t Overbake
The key to a fudgy blondie is to slightly underbake it. The residual heat from the pan will continue to cook it as it cools. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark. The center should still be a little soft, but not jiggly.
Delicious Recipe Variations
This Banana Blondies Recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Swirl in a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking. Banana and peanut butter are a classic combination. For a similar flavor profile, try these Buckeye Bars.
- Nutty Crunch: Add about 3/4 cup of toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts for a wonderful textural contrast.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle the top of the batter with salted caramel sauce before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Banana: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
How to Store Banana Blondies
Proper storage is key to keeping your blondies fresh and delicious. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, though this may make them a bit firmer. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature first. Drain any excess liquid that releases during thawing before mashing and adding them to the batter to avoid making it too wet.
Your blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The center should be set but still soft. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake them.
Classic semi-sweet chocolate chips are a popular choice. You can also use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped walnuts, or toasted pecans. For a different twist, try adding shredded coconut or a swirl of peanut butter.
The main difference is the chocolate and flavoring. Brownies contain cocoa powder or melted chocolate for their distinct flavor, while blondies do not. Instead, blondies get their rich, caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and vanilla.
Store your banana blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them in the refrigerator can make them last up to a week, but it may alter their chewy texture slightly. They also freeze very well for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature first. Drain any excess liquid that releases during thawing before mashing and adding them to the batter to avoid making it too wet.
Your blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The center should be set but still soft. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake them.
Classic semi-sweet chocolate chips are a popular choice. You can also use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped walnuts, or toasted pecans. For a different twist, try adding shredded coconut or a swirl of peanut butter.
The main difference is the chocolate and flavoring. Brownies contain cocoa powder or melted chocolate for their distinct flavor, while blondies do not. Instead, blondies get their rich, caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and vanilla.
Store your banana blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them in the refrigerator can make them last up to a week, but it may alter their chewy texture slightly. They also freeze very well for up to 3 months.
Banana Blondies Recipe: The Ultimate Chewy & Easy Treat
The ultimate Banana Blondies Recipe! Learn how to make incredibly chewy, moist, and easy banana blondies from scratch. This one-bowl recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas and creates a fudgy, irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed banana.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
For the best flavor, use a very ripe banana with lots of brown spots.
Do not overbake the blondies, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Allowing the blondies to cool completely is essential for achieving a clean cut and a fudgy texture.
Banana Blondies Recipe: The Ultimate Chewy & Easy Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed banana.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
Do not overbake the blondies, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Allowing the blondies to cool completely is essential for achieving a clean cut and a fudgy texture.
We Hope You Love This Recipe!
This Banana Blondies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to bake something special with minimal effort. We’re confident it will become a go-to in your baking rotation. If you try it, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us on Pinterest!
