Banana Bread Blondies
Moist and chewy Banana Bread Blondies, infused with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup, topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. A cozy twist on the classic banana bread, perfect for dessert or brunch.
9 Servings
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
To adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that your baking soda and powdered sugar are certified gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor and softness remain deliciously intact.