Banana Bread Blondies

If you love banana bread AND blondies as well, you must try these easy Banana Bread Blondies. This simple, one-bowl dessert recipe makes the best moist and fudgy banana blondies, with brown sugar and cinnamon. And, with sweet brown butter frosting, they are extra delicious! Perfect for any occasion, these blondies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one bowl and minimal clean-up, making it perfect for busy bakers.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of mashed bananas and brown sugar creates a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: These Banana Bread Blondies are great for snacks, desserts at gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The addition of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the classic blondie flavor.
• Irresistible Frosting: The brown butter frosting elevates these blondies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into creating your Banana Bread Blondies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8 x 8 inch baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A square baking pan ensures even cooking and makes it easy to cut the blondies into perfect squares.
• Mixing Bowls: Having various sizes helps in separating ingredients without cluttering your workspace.
• Whisk: A whisk mixes ingredients smoothly, ensuring a lump-free batter for your blondies.

Ingredients

For the Blondies

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ -2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup mashed banana (one medium-large banana)

For the Frosting

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Banana Bread Blondies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Leave an overhang on the sides to help lift out the finished blondies. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a medium bowl:
1. Mix together melted butter, light brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon; mix thoroughly.
3. Fold in the mashed banana until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Flour

Add flour to the mixture:
1. Stir until just combined and smooth; be careful not to overmix.
2. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set. Once done, remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

For the frosting:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it turns a nice amber color while stirring constantly—be cautious not to burn it.
2. Add light brown sugar, milk, and a dash of salt; stir continuously until it boils.
3. Remove from heat and allow cooling for about 10–15 minutes before whisking in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Frost Your Blondies

Spread the frosting over cooled blondies once set. Allow it to firm up before slicing into squares and serving warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy these delightful Banana Bread Blondies as a sweet treat that everyone will love!

How to Serve Banana Bread Blondies

Banana Bread Blondies are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the blondies.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – This will complement the cinnamon in the blondies and add an extra layer of flavor.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Bananas – Fresh bananas can enhance the banana flavor while adding a nice visual appeal.
• Berries – Strawberries or blueberries provide a tart contrast that pairs well with the sweet blondies.

Drizzled with Sauce

• Caramel Sauce – A warm caramel drizzle adds richness and decadence to your dessert.
• Chocolate Sauce – For chocolate lovers, this is a perfect way to add more indulgence to your blondies.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream makes for a light and airy addition that enhances the overall taste.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Blondies

Perfecting Banana Bread Blondies is about getting that moist, fudgy texture just right. Here are some tips to ensure your blondies turn out great every time.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfect fudginess.
• Cool Completely: Allow blondies to cool fully in the pan before cutting; this helps them set properly.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Blondies

Serving side dishes alongside Banana Bread Blondies can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the blondies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a crunchy, creamy contrast that complements your dessert.
3. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides a savory crunch that pairs well with sweet treats.
4. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese offer creamy textures that enhance the overall experience.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The sweet-salty combination adds an exciting twist when served alongside your blondies.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea complements the richness of banana bread blondies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bread Blondies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dessert is perfectly moist and flavorful.

• Bold Butter Measurement: Using too much or too little butter can affect the texture. Always measure melted butter accurately for best results.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until combined to keep them tender.
• Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy.
• Bold Neglecting Cooling Time: Cutting into blondies too soon can lead to a gooey texture. Allow them to cool completely in the pan for better slicing.
• Bold Ignoring Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too runny or thick, it won’t set properly. Adjust with powdered sugar or milk for the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Banana Bread Blondies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Bread Blondies

• Wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Banana Bread Blondies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one blondie for about 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Place blondie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Banana Bread Blondies.

What makes Banana Bread Blondies different from regular banana bread?

Banana Bread Blondies are denser and fudgier compared to traditional banana bread, offering a rich, chewy texture with a sweet flavor.

Can I customize my Banana Bread Blondies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture variations.

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

The blondies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use ripe bananas?

Yes! In fact, using ripe bananas will enhance the sweetness and banana flavor of your blondies.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Blondies are an irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds—banana bread and blondie deliciousness. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins for a personal touch!