Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Blondies are the ideal combination of banana bread and classic blondies. The bananas keep the blondies moist and add a naturally sweet flavor that complements the rich, brown sugar base. The texture is perfectly chewy, with just the right balance of sweetness. They’re simple to make, require basic pantry ingredients, and are incredibly versatile—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for an extra twist. Whether you’re baking for a party, or simply craving a sweet treat, these banana blondies will hit the spot every time!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If using, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the blondies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 blondies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, sweet treat.
Nutty Banana Blondies: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter Banana Blondies: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Blondies: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and dairy-free butter to make these blondies vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These blondies freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe! Just thaw them and mash them before using them in the batter.

2. Can I make these blondies without brown sugar?

While brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different taste. However, the flavor may not be as rich.

3. Can I add other mix-ins to these blondies?

Yes! You can add things like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella for extra flavor.

4. Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies gluten-free. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

5. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water for each egg).

6. Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to use almonds, pistachios, or any nut you prefer.

7. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you’d like. The bananas provide a lot of sweetness, so you can lower the sugar to 1/2 cup or even 1/3 cup depending on your preference.

8. How do I know when the blondies are done?

The blondies are done when they are golden brown on the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9. Can I make these banana blondies into muffins?

Yes, you can pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. How can I make these blondies more banana-flavored?

To enhance the banana flavor, you can add a teaspoon of banana extract or increase the amount of mashed bananas to 3.

Conclusion

Banana Blondies are a simple yet irresistible treat that brings together the soft, chewy texture of blondies with the sweet, rich flavor of bananas. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins, and it’s perfect for using up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy them plain or with chocolate chips and nuts, these banana blondies are sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen!