Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love banana bread and blondies, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. The rich banana flavor is perfectly balanced with the brown sugar frosting, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, they’re easy to make and great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Ingredients
For the blondies:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (or browned for extra flavor)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the brown sugar frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the blondies: Melt the butter (or brown it for extra flavor). Mix it with brown sugar, then whisk in the egg, vanilla, and salt.
- Add the bananas and flour: Stir in mashed bananas until well combined, then fold in the flour until just mixed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar and milk, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost the blondies: Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies and let it set before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 blondies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate twist: Mix in chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate combination.
- Cinnamon spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze: Freeze blondies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add frosting before serving.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas add more sweetness and moisture, making the blondies even better.
Can I make these blondies without frosting?
Absolutely! They taste great on their own but are even better with the brown sugar frosting.
What’s the difference between a blondie and a brownie?
Blondies are like brownies but without cocoa, relying on brown sugar and vanilla for flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Can I add a caramel drizzle?
Yes! A caramel drizzle over the frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
How do I prevent blondies from being too dry?
Don’t overbake them! Remove from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
Banana blondies are a rich, chewy dessert with the perfect combination of banana flavor and brown sugar sweetness. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or special treat!
Banana Blondies
These Banana Blondies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich banana flavor, topped with an irresistible brown sugar frosting. They’re the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s great for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (or browned for extra flavor)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the Blondies Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted (or browned) butter and brown sugar. Whisk in the egg, vanilla, and salt.
- Add Bananas & Flour: Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated, then fold in the flour until just mixed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost & Serve: Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies, let it set, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
- Extra Flavor: Brown the butter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
