Ripe bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup come together in these chewy Banana Bread Blondies topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
You know those bananas that sit on your counter, slowly turning brown, silently judging you? Well, one rainy afternoon, I decided to silence their judgment. I was craving banana bread but wanted something a bit more indulgent. Enter: Banana Bread Blondies.
I remember the first time I made them. The kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar, reminiscent of my grandmother’s baking. The first bite was a revelation—chewy, sweet, with that unmistakable banana flavor. It was love at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Blondies Recipe?
-
Texture Heaven: Imagine the moistness of banana bread meeting the chewiness of a blondie.
-
Flavor Fusion: The combination of ripe bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a symphony of flavors.
-
Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the blondie base.
-
Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
Ingredient Notes:
-
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. They bring natural sweetness and moisture.
-
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
-
Maple Syrup: Enhances sweetness with a rich, nuanced flavor.
-
Cinnamon: Provides warmth and spice.
-
Toasted Walnuts: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch.
-
Cream Cheese Glaze: A tangy topping that elevates the entire dessert.
How To Make Banana Bread Blondies?
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and toasted walnuts (if using).
Step 4: Creating the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5: Baking
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Preparing the Glaze
While the blondies bake, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and lemon juice until smooth and drizzle-able.
Step 7: Finishing Touch
Once the blondies are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze over the hot surface. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
Storage Options:
-
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to a week.
-
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Variations and Substitutions:
-
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
-
Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or replace with chocolate chips.
-
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a flavor twist.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Blondies?
-
With Coffee: Perfect for a morning treat.
-
A la Mode: Top with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
-
Warm with Butter: A pat of butter melts beautifully on a warm blondie slice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh bananas instead of overripe ones?
Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, making them ideal. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use fresh bananas, though the flavor might be slightly less intense.
Is the glaze necessary?
While the blondies are delicious on their own, the cream cheese glaze adds a delightful tangy sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts to customize your blondies.
I hope you enjoy baking and indulging in these Banana Bread Blondies as much as I do. If you try them out, I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your creations. Happy baking!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Banana Bread Blondies
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 overripe bananas mashed (approximately ⅔ cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup toasted walnuts optional
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 360°F (182°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld mixer), blend the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup on medium speed until well combined and slightly glossy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, mixing until fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and toasted walnuts, if using. Stir to ensure the leavening agents and spice are evenly dispersed.
Assemble the Batter:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix just until no visible streaks of flour remain. Avoid over-mixing to preserve the blondies’ chewy texture.
Bake the Blondies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean or with moist crumbs. Edges should be set and golden.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the blondies are baking, whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice in a bowl until a smooth, pourable glaze forms. If needed, add a teaspoon of milk to adjust the consistency.
Glaze and Cool:
- Once removed from the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm blondies. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
