Introduction
I love making desserts that are simple yet feel special, and these banana blondies are just that. They’re chewy, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor that makes them perfect for an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. I usually bake them when I have ripe bananas sitting on the counter, and they never disappoint. These blondies are also great for sharing with friends, taking to potlucks, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Quick Recipe Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories (per bar) | ~210 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Gluten-Free | No (contains flour) |
| Vegan | No (contains butter and egg) |
| Servings | 12 bars |
| Main Ingredients | Bananas, flour, butter, sugar |
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Chewy and moist with a rich banana flavor
- Easy way to use up overripe bananas
- Can be served plain or with toppings like glaze or ice cream
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients to Make Banana Blondies with Measurements
To make these banana blondies, you don’t need anything fancy. Just a handful of basic baking ingredients that come together for a soft and chewy dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe Bananas (2 medium, mashed) – Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Forms the base and gives structure to the blondies
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Adds richness and keeps the bars soft
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Gives sweetness and a slight caramel flavor
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind everything together and adds structure
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the blondies rise and stay fluffy
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness
- Optional: Cinnamon (½ tsp) – Adds a cozy spice flavor that pairs well with bananas
Steps to Make Banana Blondies
Making banana blondies is very simple and comes together in just a few steps. The key is to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and mash them well with a fork until smooth. You can leave a few small chunks if you like extra texture. These bananas are the heart of the blondies, giving them natural sweetness and moistness.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and the mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth. The mixture should look glossy and thick.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and avoid over-mixing so the blondies stay soft and chewy.
Step 4: Spread in Baking Pan
Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be slightly thick but easy to smooth out.
Step 5: Bake the Blondies
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should look golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or bars. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch
- Drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh banana slices on top for presentation
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Banana Blondies in Advance?
Yes, banana blondies can be made in advance and they store very well. You can bake them a day before serving, and they’ll still taste moist and fresh. To prepare in advance:
- Bake the blondies and let them cool completely
- Wrap the entire slab (or individual bars) tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving
Tips and Tricks
- Always use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness
- Don’t over-mix the batter once you add the flour—this keeps the blondies soft and chewy
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make removing and cutting easier
- For extra richness, stir in some white chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking
- Let the blondies cool fully before slicing so they hold their shape
Variations of Banana Blondies
- Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Nutty Banana Blondies – Mix in ½ cup of walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Glazed Banana Blondies – Top with a simple vanilla glaze after baking
- Cinnamon Swirl Blondies – Swirl some cinnamon sugar through the batter before baking
- Peanut Butter Banana Blondies – Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter for a rich, nutty twist
Storage Instructions
Banana blondies can be stored easily and stay fresh for days.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- In the refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating
- In the freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving
Can We Reheat Banana Blondies?
Yes, banana blondies can be reheated if you prefer them warm. Simply place one in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This softens them and brings back that freshly baked taste. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw first.
Recipe FAQs
Q1: Can I make banana blondies without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with ¼ cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
Q2: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the blondies will be a little denser and less chewy. Using half whole wheat and half all-purpose is a good balance.
Q3: Can I make these blondies vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based butter, a flax egg, and make sure any added chocolate is dairy-free.
Q4: How do I know when blondies are done baking?
Check with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.
Conclusion
Banana blondies are one of those desserts that you’ll want to make again and again. They’re easy, quick, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or with chocolate chips, these chewy bars are always a hit. I love baking them for family and friends because they never last long on the table. Next time you see ripe bananas in your kitchen, skip the banana bread and try these blondies instead—you’ll be glad you did.