Sweet Banana Bread Blondies
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or a sweet treat to share with friends, these blondies are sure to impress. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover how to create your own batch of Sweet Banana Bread Blondies that will fill your home with warmth and joy.
What is Sweet Banana Bread Blondies?
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are a delightful treat that marries the comforting flavors of banana bread with the chewy, buttery goodness of blondies. This recipe is rooted in American baking traditions, where the love for bananas and sweet desserts has flourished. The use of ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes to the moist texture that makes these blondies so irresistible.
Globally, bananas are celebrated for their versatility and nutritional benefits. In many cultures, they are a staple fruit, often used in various desserts and baked goods. The Sweet Banana Bread Blondies take inspiration from these traditions, transforming simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying dessert. The addition of chocolate chips, while optional, enhances the flavor profile, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the overall experience.
These blondies are more than just a dessert; they represent the joy of baking with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to create something special that your family will cherish. With just a few simple steps, you can fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Sweet Banana Bread Blondies, making it a perfect addition to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Banana Bread Blondies
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Moist and flavorful with ripe bananas
- Perfect for family gatherings and snack time
- A delightful twist on traditional banana bread
Who It’s For
Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are ideal for busy families looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. They appeal to health-conscious cooks who appreciate the natural sweetness of bananas, as well as food lovers who enjoy exploring new flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these blondies are sure to please everyone.
When to Cook It
These blondies are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make a wonderful weeknight dessert, a delightful treat for potlucks, or a cozy snack for lazy weekends. No matter when you choose to bake them, Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your table.
- 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)
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and will come out perfectly.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. The bananas should be very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Add sugar and egg: Stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in chocolate chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter. They add a delightful richness to the blondies.
- Pour and spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
If you’re looking for sugar alternatives, consider using stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. These options provide sweetness without the same impact on blood sugar levels. However, avoid using honey or maple syrup, as they can still raise blood sugar 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 emphasizes that the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Chef Alton Brown advises that overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Pastry chef Christina Tosi suggests adding nuts, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon to elevate the flavor profile of your Sweet Banana Bread Blondies.
- Check for Doneness Early: Chef Julia Child recommends checking your blondies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
- Let Them Cool: Chef Thomas Keller insists on allowing your blondies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more appealing squares.
- Room Temperature: Store leftover Sweet Banana Bread Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the blondies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To enjoy your blondies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
- Serving Tip: For an extra treat, serve reheated blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce!
- Using Underripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. Underripe bananas will result in bland and dry blondies.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough blondies. Stir until just combined for a tender, chewy texture.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent results.
- Ignoring the Toothpick Test: Not checking for doneness can lead to overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cutting Too Soon: Cutting the blondies while they’re still warm can result in messy squares. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner cuts.
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
- Do I need to chill the batter before baking? No, you don’t need to chill the batter before baking. You can bake it right after mixing for the best texture.
- How do I know when my blondies are done? It depends on your oven; check for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Can I make these blondies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Just ensure that the flour blend you choose is suitable for baking.
- Do these blondies require frosting? No, these blondies do not require any additional frosting. They are deliciously sweet and moist on their own!
In conclusion, Sweet Banana Bread Blondies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of banana bread and the chewy goodness of blondies. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious squares with your loved ones as much as I do. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any variations you made. Happy baking!
PrintSweet Banana Bread Blondies
Deliciously sweet and moist blondies infused with the rich flavor of ripe bananas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring 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
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or spices like cinnamon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
