Name: Banana Bread Blondies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Ultra-moist banana bread meets chewy blondie bars in this comforting, one-bowl treat. I love how these Banana Bread Blondies bring together the best of both worlds—rich banana flavor with the chewy, buttery texture of classic blondies. Perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon, they’re my go-to when I have ripe bananas on hand and need a quick sweet fix.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

I then add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking again until fully incorporated.

I stir in the mashed banana.

Next, I sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. I gently fold everything together—just until combined, without overmixing.

If I’m using them, I fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

The blondies bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

I let them cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 blondies.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Each serving is approximately 215 kcal.

Variations

I love how adaptable these blondies are. Here are a few ways I switch things up:

Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Use browned butter instead of regular melted butter for a deeper, nutty taste.

Mix in dried fruits like chopped dates or raisins for added texture.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo.

Swap the walnuts for pecans or add white chocolate chips for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat, I pop a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

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FAQs

How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?

I use a very ripe banana—almost completely brown on the outside. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the blondies turn out.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double everything and use a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need a slight increase—usually 30–35 minutes.

What’s the best way to mash the banana?

I like to mash the banana with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are fine and add texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for great results.

Why did my blondies turn out cakey?

Overmixing the batter or using too much banana can make the texture more cake-like. I mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them chewy.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Blondies are a perfect mash-up of two beloved treats, and I always keep them in my baking rotation. Whether I enjoy them warm from the oven or pack them for a midday snack, they never disappoint. One bowl, simple ingredients, and pure comfort—just the way I like it.

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