Whenever I’m craving something warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, these Banana Blondies always come to mind. They strike the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy with a burst of natural banana flavor that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Trust me, Banana Blondies are the kind of treat that elevates any ordinary afternoon into something special—plus they’re unbelievably easy to whip up with simple pantry staples. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts or snack options too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for beautifully straightforward ingredients, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the rich, moist texture and inviting flavor of Banana Blondies. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the warm hint of cinnamon, these ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a crowd-pleasing treat.

Unsalted butter, ½ cup (113g), melted: Brings richness and helps keep the blondies tender and moist.
Brown sugar, 1 cup (200g), packed: Adds deep caramel notes and enhances moisture.
Large egg, 1: Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
Ripe bananas, 2 mashed (or 3 for stronger flavor): The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and moistness.
All-purpose flour, 1 cup (125g): The foundation for the batter, giving it the right density and texture.
Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Helps the blondies rise just enough without being cakey.
Baking soda, ¼ teaspoon: Works alongside baking powder to create a tender crumb.
Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon (optional): Adds a lovely warmth and depth to the flavor.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Optional mix-ins (½ cup walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips): Personalize your blondies with delicious textures and flavors.

How to Make Banana Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking. Taking care of this upfront means you won’t have to worry about cleanup later—always a win!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in your mashed bananas, making sure they’re evenly incorporated—this is where all the fruity magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon if using, and salt. Sifting these dry ingredients together ensures an even distribution, which helps achieve that perfect texture in your Banana Blondies.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Slowly add the dry mixture to the banana batter, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that soft, tender crumb we’re aiming for. At this stage, gently fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to add extra personality.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean—with just a few moist crumbs clinging on. Once done, allow the blondies to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing to get those perfect squares.

How to Serve Banana Blondies

Garnishes

Banana Blondies are fantastic on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate takes them to the next level instantly. For a little extra indulgence, a swirl of cream cheese glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Side Dishes

Looking to build a snack or dessert board? Pair these blondies with fresh fruit like strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for a light contrast. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte alongside Banana Blondies creates an utterly cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Banana Blondies in mini square bites at your next gathering or stack them like a dessert tower drizzled with caramel sauce. You can also sandwich a bit of nut butter or marshmallow fluff between two blondie squares for an innovative twist that will wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly baked Banana Blondies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully moist for up to 3 days and remain just as tasty.

Freezing

Want to keep them longer? Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen Banana Blondies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—perfect for when a banana-infused craving strikes unexpectedly.

Reheating

To bring your blondies back to life, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and enhances their rich banana aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Blondies?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully once thawed and mashed. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so the batter doesn’t get too wet.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They’re softer and taste more intensely banana-like, which is perfect for these blondies.

Can I make Banana Blondies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.

Why do Banana Blondies need both baking powder and baking soda?

This combination gives the blondies just the right rise without being cakey, helping create a tender yet moist texture that’s so satisfying.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds a delightful crunch or melty richness that makes Banana Blondies even more delicious and personalized to your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Banana Blondies is like sharing a little slice of happiness with yourself or those you love. Their simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a truly comforting treat with a beautiful banana twist. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these blondies disappear—they might just become your new favorite baking tradition!