The combination of ripe bananas and rich, buttery brown sugar frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. These Banana Blondies are soft, moist, and absolutely irresistible a perfect treat for banana lovers.
What makes this recipe stand out is the use of browned butter, which adds a nutty depth of flavor to the blondies and frosting alike. They’re easy to make and even easier to love, whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to your day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Blondies:
- 1/2 cup butter (melted, or browned if desired)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 medium banana)
Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, combine the melted (or browned) butter and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the salt, flour, and mashed banana, ensuring the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set. Remove from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
- While the blondies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring until the mixture begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies. Allow the frosting to set completely before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 151 kcal | Servings: 16 blondies
Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting are the ultimate treat for banana lovers, combining the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the rich sweetness of a decadent frosting. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional blondies, elevating a classic dessert with the tropical, fruity notes of bananas and the caramel like depth of browned butter. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a sweet pick me up, or simply want to use up overripe bananas, this recipe delivers in every way.
Why Banana Blondies Are Special
Banana based desserts are often associated with banana bread, but these blondies are a refreshing departure. They offer a soft and chewy texture, much like traditional blondies, but with an added moistness from mashed bananas. The incorporation of bananas gives the dessert a naturally sweet and fruity flavor, which perfectly complements the nutty, caramel like richness of brown sugar and browned butter. This flavor combination creates a balance that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet but still satisfies your dessert cravings.
The real showstopper here, however, is the brown sugar frosting. Made with simple ingredients, this frosting adds a velvety sweetness and creates a melt in your mouth experience. As it cools, it forms a slight crust on the surface, giving the blondies a texture contrast between the creamy frosting and the soft blondie base. Together, the blondies and frosting form a perfect marriage of flavors and textures that will leave anyone reaching for seconds.
The Role of Browned Butter
One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is the use of browned butter. If you’ve never worked with browned butter before, you’re in for a treat. Browning butter involves cooking it on low heat until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a deep, nutty aroma and golden brown color. It’s a small extra step that takes your baked goods to the next level, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the blondies. While you can opt to simply melt the butter, browning it adds complexity to the recipe, making the flavors richer and more layered.
The browned butter also contributes to the blondies’ moist and tender crumb, which is what makes them so irresistibly soft. Plus, the subtle nuttiness of the browned butter works harmoniously with the natural sweetness of the banana and the rich caramel notes of the brown sugar.
Versatility and Customization
What makes Banana Blondies such a great recipe is their versatility. The base recipe is already amazing, but it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or shredded coconut to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.
- Toppings: Swap the brown sugar frosting for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, or drizzle the blondies with caramel or melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten free baking flour to make these blondies accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
These variations allow you to make the recipe your own, whether you’re experimenting for fun or tailoring it to the tastes of family and friends.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is in terms of occasions. These Banana Blondies are casual enough to enjoy as an everyday treat but special enough to bring to a party or celebration. They’re easy to cut into squares and serve, making them a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
For brunch events, these blondies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. The banana flavor also makes them a delightful option for a breakfast inspired dessert. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant and satisfying dessert after dinner.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Banana Blondies are incredibly convenient when it comes to storage and making them in advance. Here are some tips to keep them fresh and delicious:
- Storage: Once the frosting has set, store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you choose to refrigerate, let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
- Freezing: These blondies freeze well, making them an excellent make ahead dessert. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds for a quick dessert fix.
By preparing them in advance, you can save time without sacrificing quality, which is especially helpful when you’re entertaining or planning for a busy week.
Nutritional Value and Portion Control
While Banana Blondies are undeniably indulgent, they’re surprisingly reasonable in terms of calorie content, especially when enjoyed in moderation. Each blondie is about 151 calories, making it a manageable treat that won’t derail your diet. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the sugar content or substitute part of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
Since the recipe yields 16 servings, it’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or colleagues, these blondies are sure to be a hit. Their small square shape also makes it easy to control portions, so you can indulge without overdoing it.
Why You Should Make Banana Blondies
If you’re a fan of bananas and blondies, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. It’s a creative way to use up overripe bananas while also satisfying your sweet tooth. The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just a handful of pantry staples, yet the end result feels special and luxurious.
Moreover, Banana Blondies are an approachable dessert that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, you’ll find this recipe both enjoyable and rewarding to make. The combination of unique flavors, easy preparation, and wide appeal makes it a recipe worth adding to your collection.
Conclusion:
Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting are more than just a dessert they’re an experience. From the nutty aroma of browned butter to the melt in your mouth sweetness of the frosting, every bite is a testament to the magic of simple yet thoughtful baking. They’re versatile enough to suit any occasion, customizable to your preferences, and easy to store for later enjoyment.
Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, these blondies are sure to become a go to recipe in your repertoire. So, grab those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and turn them into something extraordinary you won’t regret it!