As a passionate home cook, I find joy in transforming simple ingredients into delightful treats. One of my favorite creations is Sweet Banana Bread Blondies. These blondies are a delicious twist on traditional banana bread, combining the rich, buttery flavor of blondies with the sweet, comforting essence of ripe bananas. The aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible, making it hard to wait for them to cool before diving in. With their moist texture and hints of chocolate, these Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are perfect for dessert or a quick snack, bringing smiles to my family’s faces every time.
What is Sweet Banana Bread Blondies?
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: banana bread and blondies. Originating from the classic American dessert scene, blondies are known for their rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture. By incorporating ripe bananas, these blondies take on a moist, sweet character that elevates them to a new level of deliciousness. The combination of brown sugar and bananas creates a caramel-like sweetness, while the optional chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. This recipe is a perfect example of how global influences can inspire home cooks to create comforting, approachable desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Banana Bread Blondies
- **Convenient**: Quick to prepare and bake, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- **Delicious Taste**: The blend of bananas and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet flavor that everyone loves.
- **Health Benefits**: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and fiber, making these blondies a more wholesome treat.
- **Family Appeal**: A hit with kids and adults alike, these blondies are great for sharing at gatherings.
Who It’s For
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are ideal for busy families looking for a quick dessert, health-conscious cooks who want to incorporate fruit into their treats, and food lovers eager to explore new flavor combinations. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable and satisfying.
When to Cook It
These blondies are perfect for a variety of occasions, including weeknight dinners when you need a quick dessert, celebrations like birthdays or potlucks, and cozy family meals. They also make a great snack for school lunches or afternoon pick-me-ups!
- **2 ripe bananas, mashed**: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- **1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted**: Provides richness and a tender texture.
- **1 cup brown sugar**: Contributes a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- **1 large egg**: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- **1 cup all-purpose flour**: Forms the base structure of the blondies.
- **1/2 teaspoon baking powder**: Helps the blondies rise slightly for a lighter texture.
- **1/4 teaspoon baking soda**: Works with the acid in the bananas for leavening.
- **1/4 teaspoon salt**: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- **1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)**: Adds a delightful chocolatey richness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and stir until smooth. The batter will be thick and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips gently, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.
- **Stevia**: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for baking.
- **Monk fruit**: Another natural option that provides sweetness without calories.
- **Allulose**: A low-calorie sugar that behaves like sugar in recipes.
It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can still raise blood sugar levels significantly.
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- **Use Overripe Bananas**: Renowned chef Ina Garten suggests using very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor. The more brown spots, the better!
- **Don’t Overmix**: Pastry chef Claire Saffitz emphasizes the importance of mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies.
- **Add a Pinch of Cinnamon**: Chef Alton Brown recommends adding a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile and give a warm, cozy aroma.
- **Experiment with Mix-Ins**: Food network star Ree Drummond loves to add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Get creative!
- **Cool Completely Before Cutting**: Chef Thomas Keller advises letting the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean edges and a better texture.
- **Room Temperature**: Store leftover Sweet Banana Bread Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- **Refrigerator**: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.
- **Freezing**: These blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- **Reheating**: To enjoy them warm, microwave a blondie for 10-15 seconds or until heated through. Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
- **Using Unripe Bananas**: Avoid using bananas that are not fully ripe, as they won’t provide the necessary sweetness and moisture for your blondies.
- **Overmixing the Batter**: Mixing too much can lead to dense blondies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light, chewy texture.
- **Not Preheating the Oven**: Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before placing your blondies inside.
- **Cutting Too Soon**: Cutting the blondies while they are still warm can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for clean, beautiful squares.
- **Ignoring Ingredient Temperature**: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for Sweet Banana Bread Blondies?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: Are Sweet Banana Bread Blondies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients.
Q: Can I make Sweet Banana Bread Blondies without chocolate chips?
It depends on your preference! You can omit the chocolate chips for a more traditional banana bread flavor.
Q: How can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make Sweet Banana Bread Blondies gluten-free.
Q: Do Sweet Banana Bread Blondies need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—banana bread and blondies. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them a favorite in my home, and I hope they become a staple in yours as well. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share your experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
Print
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet and moist banana bread blondies that are perfect for dessert or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 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 chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and stir until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
- These blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Sweet Banana Bread Blondies, Banana Blondies, Dessert Recipes