Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

If you’re looking for a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop, you’ve come to the right place! These Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love are not only chewy and delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla creates a sweet treat that everyone will love.

What makes these blondies truly special is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them as-is. Whether you’re making a quick dessert for yourself or baking a batch to share with friends, these banana blondies are sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these blondies baking in no time.
• Family Favorite: They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead: These blondies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
• Customizable: Add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist, or keep it simple for classic goodness.
• Waste Not, Want Not: A great way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses everyday pantry staples along with ripe bananas to create something truly scrumptious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or 3 for stronger banana flavor)
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional mix-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Chocolaty Goodness: Fold in chocolate chips for a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
• Spice It Up: Mix in some nutmeg or swap out cinnamon for an exciting twist on flavor.
• Fruit Fusion: Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a delightful contrast.

How to Make Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan so your blondies won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. This mixture forms the base of your blondies, giving them that rich flavor we all love. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until combined, then fold in those mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to combine! Gently stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 5: Bake Your Blondies

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean from the center.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let your blondies cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes before slicing them into squares. The cooling process allows them to set up perfectly so they slice beautifully!

There you have it—simple yet oh-so-delicious Banana Blondies that are sure to impress! Enjoy every chewy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Creating the perfect batch of banana blondies is all about little tweaks and techniques that make a big difference!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until combined to keep them chewy and soft.

• Test for doneness: Every oven is different! Start checking your blondies a few minutes before the suggested baking time; they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

• Add a pinch of salt: A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors, making each bite more delicious.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Whether it’s nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, adding mix-ins can customize your blondies to suit any craving or occasion.

How to Serve Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love

Serving banana blondies can be as fun and creative as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delightful treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melting some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzling them on top can create an irresistible finish.
• Fresh fruit slices: Adding slices of fresh banana or berries on top not only enhances presentation but also brings in extra flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream makes for a classic pairing that complements the warm, chewy texture of the blondies.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy whipped coconut cream adds a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the blondies.
• Coffee or tea: Serving your blondies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a comforting dessert experience perfect for cozy gatherings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your banana blondies fully. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These banana blondies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or serve them at gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week.
• If you notice any dryness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Cut the blondies into squares and allow them to cool completely.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen blondies, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a couple of hours.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about these delightful treats, here are some common questions!

Can I use overripe bananas for these banana blondies?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this recipe as they add extra sweetness and flavor.

What makes these Banana Blondies: 7 Simple Banana Dessert Recipes to Love special?

These blondies are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. Plus, their chewy texture makes them a favorite among banana dessert lovers!

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.

How do I know when my banana blondies are done baking?

Your blondies should have golden edges and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Feel free to customize your blondies by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like nutmeg for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake these delightful banana blondies! They’re not just easy to make; they’re also a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas while creating something scrumptious that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying them solo with your morning coffee or serving them at your next gathering, these blondies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!