Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Banana Blondies! They’re like a warm hug in dessert form—deliciously chewy and packed with the sweet essence of ripe bananas. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. They’re super simple to whip up, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings or when you’ve got overripe bananas just begging to be used. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. They’re that good!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Banana Blondies
Prepping Your Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your Banana Blondies to bake evenly, and starting with a hot oven makes all the difference! While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help your blondies slide out easily after baking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth and creamy—don’t worry if there are a few lumps, they add character! Once you’ve got that banana goodness, pour in the melted butter and mix it all together nicely. Then, add in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. I like to use a whisk for this part; it really helps everything blend together into a smooth batter. You’ll want the mixture to be well combined and lovely!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key because it ensures that the baking powder gets evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your blondies rise beautifully. If you skip this, you might end up with unevenly baked blondies, and nobody wants that!
Bringing It All Together
Alright, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients! Pour the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, and gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no more dry flour. Now, fold in those chocolate chips; they’re the best part! Once everything is nicely mixed, pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
Baking Instructions
Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack. Wait until they’re cool enough to handle before cutting them into squares. Patience is key here—those first bites are worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary a bit based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, while I can give you some typical values, keep in mind that they might not be exact for your batch of Banana Blondies. Here’s what you can generally expect per square:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, whether you’re indulging or sharing, now you know what’s in those delicious squares! Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly quick to make—perfect for those busy days when you need a sweet treat in a flash!
- Only a few simple ingredients are needed, so you probably have everything at home already.
- Deliciously chewy and packed with the rich flavor of bananas, these blondies are a true crowd-pleaser.
- The addition of chocolate chips takes them over the top, adding that perfect touch of sweetness.
- They’re a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste.
- These blondies are versatile—feel free to mix in nuts or other goodies to make them your own!
- They store well, making them great for meal prep or a treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Banana Blondies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for those with lots of brown spots—they’ll give your blondies that rich, sweet flavor.
- Butter Alternatives: If you want to lighten things up a bit, feel free to swap the butter for coconut oil. It adds a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas!
- Chocolate Choices: I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips can add a fun twist to your blondies.
- Nuts for Crunch: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful texture and complement the banana flavor perfectly.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into your dry ingredients. It’ll elevate the flavor profile and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies, and we want them chewy and light!
- Cooling Time: Giving your blondies enough time to cool in the pan helps them set properly. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart—trust me, you don’t want that!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious Banana Blondies ever! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to taste along the way—it’s all part of the fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Banana Blondies fresh and tasty! First off, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), make sure to store them in an airtight container. This will keep them nice and chewy for up to a week at room temperature. Just remember, if your kitchen is warm, it’s best to pop them in the fridge to avoid any gooey situations!
If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze your Banana Blondies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours. No need to worry about reheating them—these blondies are just as delightful at room temperature!
But if you prefer them warm, you can give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might turn into a gooey mess! A warm, soft banana blondie straight from the microwave is a treat you won’t want to miss!
FAQ Section
Can I make Banana Blondies without eggs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will keep your blondies moist and delicious!
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate (I know, shocking!), you can easily swap in other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even butterscotch chips. Just think about what flavors you love, and go for it!
How do I know when my Banana Blondies are done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they bake. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s too wet, give them a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd or just want to stock up, feel free to double the ingredients. Just make sure to use a larger baking pan, like a 9×13 inch, and adjust the baking time a bit—check for doneness around the same time, but be prepared to add a few extra minutes if needed.
How do I store Banana Blondies for maximum freshness?
Store your Banana Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep them from getting too gooey. Just remember, they’re also fantastic cold or at room temperature, so no need to worry about reheating!
Banana Blondies: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy banana blondies.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 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 salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas.
- Add melted butter and mix well.
- Stir in brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They taste great warm or at room temperature.
- For added flavor, try adding nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Banana Blondies, Dessert, Baking