Ah, banana blondies! Just the name makes me smile, and believe me, you’re in for a treat! These sweet, moist squares are like a cozy hug in dessert form. I first stumbled upon this recipe during my college days when I was knee-deep in textbooks and stress. I desperately needed to whip up something quick and tasty to fuel my late-night cramming. Little did I know, these blondies would become a staple for many study sessions and lazy afternoons.
What’s great about banana blondies is that they blend the delightful flavors of bananas and brown sugar, delivering a soft and chewy texture. And let’s not forget the creamy frosting! Whether you’re treating yourself after a long week or impressing friends at a potluck, these blondies are sure to be a hit—trust me on that!
What’s in Banana Blondies?
Let’s chat about what makes these little goodies sing!
Unsalted Butter: The base of any good dessert, right? I love using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the final product.
Brown Sugar: This is what gives our blondies their signature chewiness and depth of flavor. Make sure to pack it tightly for that extra sweetness!
Large Egg: This little gem works as a binder, making sure all the ingredients hold together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a lovely warmth and complexity to the flavor—it’s like a secret ingredient you don’t want to skip.
Ripe Banana: The star of our show! A perfectly ripe banana not only lends moisture to the blondies but also enhances the sweetness naturally.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our recipe, this is what gives our blondies structure.
Baking Powder: This helps them rise just a tad, ensuring they’re not overly dense.
Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is just what we need to elevate all those sweet flavors!
Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): A fun addition if you want to add a little crunch or richness to your blondies. I often flip a coin to decide which one to add!
Is Banana Blondies Good for You?
Let’s be real: while banana blondies are undeniably delicious, they fall into the treats category. However, they do have some redeeming qualities!
Ripe Bananas: These beauties are a natural source of potassium and vitamins, serving as a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Plus, they help keep your baked goods moist!
Walnuts: If you add these, you’ll benefit from healthy fats and omega-3s. Talk about a win-win when indulging!
However, the sugar content is a bit high, especially with the frosting. Moderation is key! Pair a square with a piece of fruit or a protein source for a more balanced treat!
Ingredients
This recipe yields around 16 delicious squares.
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or frosting of your choice)
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Banana Blondies?
Get ready to bring the magic to life—let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the egg next, giving it a good stir until it’s all mixed up nicely. Now, stir in the vanilla extract and mashed banana. Keep mixing until it’s uniform.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture a little at a time to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, fold in those walnuts or chocolate chips!
5. Pour our lovely batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan.
7. While the blondies are cooling, let’s whip up the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until it’s creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and milk until it’s smooth and spreadable.
8. Once the blondies cool completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
9. Cut them into squares, and voila! Your delectable banana blondies are ready to be devoured!
Sweet Tips for Banana Blondies
Oh, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make this treat even better!
– If you want to up the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. It adds a warm, cozy vibe that’s simply irresistible!
– Not a fan of peanut butter? Swap it out for your favorite frosting—cream cheese frosting would be a dreamy alternative.
– These blondies store wonderfully! Just keep them in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).
– You could even freeze them in individual portions—perfect for when that sweet craving hits!
So there you have it! I genuinely hope you give these banana blondies a try. Bake them, share them with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself—I’m not judging! And please, let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!
