Banana Bread Blondies

$- 2 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt The key to great banana bread blondies is ripe bananas. They bring natural sweetness and moisture. I always mash them well for a smooth mixture. Next, I use unsalted butter. It adds richness without extra salt. Brown sugar gives the blondies a soft texture and a deep flavor. The egg adds structure and binds everything together. For extra flavor, I add pure vanilla extract. It makes a big difference. I sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together. This step helps the blondies rise nicely and stay soft. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch) - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips You can add chopped walnuts for a nice crunch. They pair well with the soft blondies. If you love chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips are a must. They melt slightly in the oven and add a sweet touch. You can mix and match these ingredients based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is key for even baking. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This helps to release the blondies later. In a large bowl, add the melted butter and mashed bananas. Use a fork or whisk to mix them well. Once smooth, add the brown sugar. Stir until it blends nicely. Now, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to mix the dry ingredients well. Next, fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula and mix gently. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the blondies soft. If you like, fold in chopped walnuts and chocolate chips now. This adds flavor and texture. Make sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, take the blondies out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy these tasty treats! To make the best banana bread blondies, focus on a few key areas. - Avoiding overmixing: When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Use a spatula and fold the batter just until it is mixed. Overmixing makes the blondies tough, not soft. - Ensuring even baking: Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish. This helps them cook at the same rate. Keep an eye on your oven temperature. An oven thermometer can help if your oven runs hot or cold. Sometimes, baking can throw surprises. Here’s how to handle common problems. - Solving undercooked blondies: If your blondies are gooey in the center, bake them a few more minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Preventing dry blondies: Dry blondies can happen if you bake too long. Always set a timer for 25 minutes. If they look golden brown, check them early. You want them soft and chewy, not dry. Pro Tips Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your blondies will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or almost brown for the best results. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To achieve a chewy texture, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the blondies tough and dense. Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your blondies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your blondies by adding different mix-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or even swirls of peanut butter for added flavor! {{image_4}} Adding spices can elevate your banana bread blondies. A sprinkle of cinnamon gives warmth and depth. Nutmeg also adds a nice twist. If you enjoy a sweeter treat, consider swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate. This change makes the blondies richer and creamier. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both will work well in this recipe. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. Simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the blondies tasty while fitting various diets. To keep your banana bread blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you keep them at room temperature, they stay soft for up to four days. Just make sure they are cool before you seal them up. If you live in a hot climate, you might want to refrigerate them. This keeps the blondies from getting too warm and sticky. Just remember, the texture may change slightly in the fridge. Freezing is a great way to enjoy blondies later. To freeze them, first cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. They can stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just take a piece out. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm them in the microwave for a quick treat! If you want to skip eggs, you can use different options. Applesauce is a great choice. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for one egg. You can also use mashed banana, about 1/4 cup. This will keep the banana flavor strong. Another option is ground flaxseed. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This mix works well in many baked goods. All these substitutes keep your blondies moist and tasty. To check if your blondies are ready, use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it has wet batter, they need more time. Keep an eye on them as they bake. Usually, this takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Overbaking can make them dry, so check early! Yes, you can make the blondies ahead of time. They taste great after resting a day. Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them! Cut the blondies into squares and wrap them well. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Enjoy! In this article, we explored making delicious banana bread blondies. We covered essential and optional ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize flavors and ingredients to fit your needs. Proper storage methods ensure your blondies stay fresh. Remember, baking can be fun and easy. With these steps, you can enjoy tasty blondies every time. Happy baking!$

Banana Bread Blondies

Deliciously moist blondies infused with ripe bananas and chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 none ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon fine salt
0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch)
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and the mashed bananas. Blend them together with a fork or a whisk until smooth.
Incorporate the brown sugar into the banana mixture, stirring until fully integrated. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until uniformly combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring gently just until combined.
Carefully fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for approximately 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the blondies into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Serve on a vibrant plate and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Keyword banana, blondies, chocolate, dessert, easy