If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances moist texture with rich, comforting flavors, this Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine bites of dense, soft blondies infused with ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, topped off with an optional sweet glaze that adds a beautiful sheen and extra touch of indulgence. This recipe is simplicity at its best, requiring straightforward pantry staples that come together with minimal effort to create a truly irresistible baked treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these blondies lies in their simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and unforgettable banana flavor that make this recipe such a joy to bake and share.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted: Provides rich, creamy moisture and helps to create a dense, fudgy crumb.
- Light brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that deepens the flavor and keeps the blondies moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a tender structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Mashed ripe bananas, 1 cup: The star ingredient delivering moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle fruit aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Provides structure for holding the blondies together without making them cakey.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Gives just the right amount of lift for a light texture without sacrificing fudginess.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Optional glaze: Made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, it adds a glossy, sweet finishing touch that makes these blondies even more irresistible.
How to Make Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This step guarantees your blondies will lift out cleanly once baked, making slicing a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination is your blondie’s rich base. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas, stirring everything until perfectly combined. The bananas add moisture so don’t skip ripening them fully for that extra flavor punch!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to preserve the tender, fudgy texture that makes this Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe so special.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top so it bakes evenly. Place it in your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Optional Glaze for Extra Delight
If you want to elevate your blondies even more, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or a non-dairy alternative), and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled blondies and let it set before slicing. This sweet, shiny glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and looks stunning on presentation.
How to Serve Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chocolate chips on top for extra visual appeal and a little crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the warm, gooey blondies beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a simple berry compote. The acidity and freshness from berries cut through the richness, making every bite balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these blondies in rustic squares atop parchment-lined plates or cut into bite-size pieces and arranged on a festive dessert platter for parties. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two blondie squares for an irresistible handheld treat that will wow guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their fudgy texture and fresh banana flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these blondies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop your blondie slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and highlight the fudgy banana undertones perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the banana flavor and makes the blondies wonderfully moist.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
You can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor or even white granulated sugar if that’s what’s available, though it may slightly alter the moisture and flavor profile.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could try swapping in a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can bring fantastic texture and complement the banana flavor wonderfully. Mix them in with the dry ingredients before baking.
How do I make the blondies less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly or skip the glaze to keep the sweetness in check without sacrificing the fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming and satisfying about making this Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe — it’s one of those desserts that never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these blondies hit every note of comfort, sweetness, and texture. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Fudgy and Flavorful Banana Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these fudgy and flavorful banana blondies, a perfect twist on classic brownies with ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture. These blondies have a soft, chewy texture and can be topped with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra treat. Ideal as a snack or dessert, they come together quickly and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Blondies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or non-dairy alternative
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until there are no dry streaks left, being careful not to overmix to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Blondies: Remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Add Glaze (Optional): While the blondies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or non-dairy alternative), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled blondies and allow it to set before slicing into 9 to 12 squares.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the texture of the blondies.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the blondies fudgy rather than cakey.
- The optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch but is not necessary if you prefer a more natural flavor.
- Ensure the blondies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
