Banana Blondies Recipe

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Welcome to our cozy corner where sugar, spice, and everything nice come together in the kitchen to create treats that warm the heart and delight the tastebuds. Today, we’re venturing into a recipe that is a testament to the versatile, humble banana—a fruit that holds the power to transform the simplest ingredients into a masterpiece. I’m thrilled to share with you a personal favorite that has charmed its way into the hearts of my family and friends: the Banana Blondies recipe.

What Are Banana Blondies?

Banana blondies are a sweet dessert bar made with ripe bananas, similar to traditional blondies but with a banana twist. They typically have a dense, chewy texture and a flavor that’s a blend of banana and brown sugar.

Ingredients:

For The Blondies:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (about 2 medium) ripe bananas, mashed

For The Brown Sugar Frosting (Optional But Highly Recommended):

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions:

Banana Blondies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix to ensure a soft texture.
5. Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake to retain that fudgy texture.
8. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan set on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting if using.

Brown Sugar Frosting:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, cooking over low heat until the sugar has fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before stirring in the powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth—if the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
4. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies. Let set before cutting into squares.

Tips:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots, which are sweeter and easier to mash.
• Texture Matters: For those gooey, moist blondies, avoid over-baking. Start checking a couple of minutes before the timer’s up.
• Brown Sugar Magic: Using brown sugar both in the blondies and the frosting adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
• Let Them Cool: It might be tempting to dig in immediately, but allowing your blondies to cool will make them easier to cut and let the flavors meld beautifully.
• Customize: Feel free to stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of nut butter into the batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

What To Serve With

Complement With Beverages:

• Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or a shot of espresso cut through the sweetness of the banana blondies, offering a balance that refreshes the palate.
• Milk: A classic choice, cold milk complements the chewy texture and sweet flavor of the blondies. For a dairy-free alternative, almond, coconut, or oat milk can be equally delightful.
• Hot Chocolate: Serving the blondies with a warm cup of hot chocolate can turn a simple dessert into a comforting treat, especially on chilly evenings.

Pair With Ice Cream:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream goes hand-in-hand with the rich flavors of the blondies, creating a classic combination that appeals to all ages.
• Banana-flavored Ice Cream: Double down on the banana theme for an immersive flavor experience. A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top can be a delicious addition.
• Cinnamon or Butter Pecan Ice Cream: These flavors will complement the caramel notes in the blondie and frosting, providing a sophisticated twist.

Top It Off:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a light and airy contrast to the dense texture of the blondies.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top of the blondies or the accompanying whipped cream or ice cream for added crunch and nuttiness.

Add Fresh Fruits:

• Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices can emphasize the banana flavor and add a fresh element to your dessert.
• Mixed Berries: A berry medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can provide a tart contrast and a pop of color that makes for an enticing presentation.

Try A Sauce Or Syrup:

• Caramel Sauce: The velvety and sweet taste of caramel sauce drizzled over the top can enhance the blondies’ brown sugar notes.
• Chocolate Syrup: For chocolate lovers, chocolate syrup can add an extra layer of decadence. Consider dark chocolate syrup for a richer taste.
• Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of good-quality maple syrup can bring a touch of warmth and complexity to the dessert.

Health Benefits

• High in Potassium: Bananas are well known for their high potassium content, which is essential for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves.
• Rich in Vitamins: Bananas provide significant amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, which are crucial for immune system function, brain health, and energy production.
• Dietary Fiber: The dietary fiber in bananas can help with digestive health, aiding in bowel regularity and contributing to a feeling of fullness, which can help with portion control and weight management.
• Antioxidant Properties: Bananas contain several types of potent antioxidants, including dopamine and catechins. These antioxidants can help reduce damage from free radicals and lower the risk of some diseases.

Final Thoughts

banana blondies offer a delightful twist to the traditional blondie, infusing the baked treat with the natural sweetness and health benefits of bananas. By packing in nutrients like potassium, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, these moist and flavorful bars present a comforting indulgence that can also contribute to your overall well-being when enjoyed in moderation.

More Recipes:

• Green Schug Recipe
• Kippers With Eggs Recipe
• Grilled Cuttlefish Recipe
• Crab Gnocchi Recipe
• Arroz Meloso Recipe