Banana Bread Blondies Recipe

Introduction

Banana Bread Blondies offer a delightful twist on classic banana bread with a rich, fudgy texture and a sweet, buttery frosting. These blondies are perfect for a cozy treat or sharing with friends and family. With cinnamon-infused batter and a caramel-like frosting, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mashed banana (about one medium-large banana)

For the frosting:

• ¼ cup butter
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the blondies, then spray the foil with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, light brown sugar, and salt until combined. Add the egg, vanilla, and cinnamon, and stir well.
3. Step 3: Mix in the mashed banana until evenly blended. Gradually add the flour and mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
5. Step 5: Remove the blondies from the oven and let cool to room temperature while you prepare the frosting.
6. Step 6: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it turns a rich amber color—be careful not to burn the butter.
7. Step 7: Add the brown sugar, milk, and a dash of salt to the browned butter. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Whisk in the vanilla and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled blondies.
9. Step 9: Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving. Use the foil overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan cleanly.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter banana flavor, use ripe bananas with brown spots.
• To make the frosting dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger can complement the cinnamon and add warmth.

Storage

Store the banana bread blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, allow to come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave to soften the frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid making the batter too wet.

What if I don’t have light brown sugar?

You can substitute dark brown sugar or white granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for a similar flavor and texture.

Banana Bread Blondies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

Delightfully moist and flavorful banana bread blondies topped with a rich, caramel-like frosting. These blondies combine the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (3×3 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Blondies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mashed banana (one medium-large banana)

For Frosting:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the blondies after baking. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and salt until well mixed. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly. Then fold in the mashed banana until combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until the batter becomes smooth and uniform in texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
4. Bake Blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool Blondies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely to room temperature in the pan to set properly before frosting.
6. Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a rich amber color. Be careful not to burn it. Then add the brown sugar, milk, and a dash of salt. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
7. Finish Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled, whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
8. Frost Blondies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Allow the frosting to set at room temperature before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Be careful when cooking the butter for the frosting; watch it closely to prevent burning.
• For a stronger banana flavor, use very ripe bananas.
• Use aluminum foil with an overhang to easily lift the blondies out of the pan for cleaner cutting.
• Frosting can be spread thicker or thinner according to personal preference.
• Store leftover blondies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: banana bread blondies, banana blondies, cinnamon blondies, brown sugar frosting, baked dessert, easy blondies recipe