Banana Blondies

Why You’ll Love Banana Blondies Recipe

• The banana gives a subtle sweetness and moist texture that makes these blondies melt in your mouth.

• The brown sugar frosting adds a decadent, caramel‑like layer that elevates the bars beyond the usual blondie.

• It uses everyday ingredients and comes together easily—no complicated steps or special tools required.

• It’s versatile—great for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Blondies:

• butter (melted and optionally browned)

• light brown sugar, packed

• egg

• vanilla extract

• kosher salt

• all‑purpose flour

• mashed banana (about ½ cup or 1 medium banana)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting:

• butter

• light brown sugar

• milk

• powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Line an 8 × 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray; set aside.

2. In a large saucepan melt the butter (and if you like, continue cooking it until it turns a deep golden brown for extra flavor). Allow the butter to cool for about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until evenly combined. Then stir in the egg until smooth. Finally fold in the flour and the mashed banana. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.

4. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the blondies cool.

5. While the blondies are cooling (they should be mostly cooled but still slightly warm), make the brown sugar frosting: In a medium saucepan melt the butter, then add the brown sugar and milk and stir until it comes just to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.

6. Spread the frosting over the blondies. Allow the frosting to set and the blondies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 blondies.
Prep time: 20 minutes.
Cook time: 30 minutes.
Total time: 50 minutes.

Variations

• Mix in chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) into the blondie batter for added crunch.

• Fold in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter for a richer treat.

• Omit or lighten the frosting if you prefer a simpler blondie; you could also top with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

• Use ripe bananas with extra brown spots for more banana flavor.

• Swap the milk in the frosting for heavy cream for an even richer glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 4‑5 days. If refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave for about 10‑15 seconds. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze up to 2‑3 months; thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. What kind of banana should I use?

Use a ripe banana with some brown spots — it will mash easily and provide maximum flavor. Avoid completely green bananas.

2. Can I skip browning the butter?

Yes — you can simply melt the butter without browning. Browning adds a nutty, deeper flavor, but the recipe still works without it.

3. Does the frosting need to be thick?

Yes — the frosting should be thick enough to spread and set on top of the blondies. If it’s too runny, let it cool a little longer before spreading.

4. How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The center should be set (not liquid), and the edges lightly golden. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

5. Can I use self‑rising flour instead of all‑purpose?

It’s best to use all‑purpose flour here. Self‑rising flour contains leavening and salt which can alter the texture and rise of the blondies.

6. Can I make this in a different sized pan?

You can, but baking time may vary. If using a larger pan (so the batter is thinner) the blondies may bake faster; if a smaller pan, it may take longer. Check for doneness accordingly.

7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You could try light granulated sugar or coconut sugar but it will change both texture and flavor. Brown sugar provides moisture and that caramel‑like note which is key to the blondies and frosting.

8. How do I cut clean squares?

Wait until the blondies are completely cooled and the frosting is set. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

9. Can I make these gluten‑free?

You could try swapping in a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend, but texture may vary. Make sure the blend has xanthan or guar gum if needed for structure.

10. Why did my frosting separate or become gritty?

If the frosting is too hot when powdered sugar is added, or if it cools too quickly, it may seize or become gritty. Make sure to allow the butter/sugar/milk mixture to cool about 5 minutes before whisking in powdered sugar, and spread it fairly soon so it sets smoothly.

Conclusion

These Banana Blondies strike the perfect balance between everyday comfort and a little indulgence. With moist, banana‑infused blondie bars and a lush brown sugar frosting, they’re easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. Whether for dessert, a snack, or sharing with friends, they’ll likely become a favorite. Give them a try and enjoy every bite!

Banana Blondies

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These Banana Blondies are soft, chewy dessert bars filled with banana flavor and topped with a rich brown butter frosting. They’re a delicious way to use up ripe bananas and make for an easy crowd-pleasing treat.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 blondies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
3. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt and stir until smooth.
4. Mix in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let blondies cool in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
9. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat and cook until just browned, stirring constantly.
10. Add brown sugar and milk and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
11. Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
12. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the cooled blondies.
13. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
• Let the frosting cool slightly before adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumping.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 blondie
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg