Banana Bread Blondies Recipe That’ll Make Your Day

So you’re craving something sweet but also feeling emotionally unavailable to spend an hour wrestling with a mixer? Same. Luckily, these banana bread blondies are the kind of low-effort, high-reward magic that make you look like you’ve got your life together (even if you definitely do not). Grab those sad, spotted bananas on your counter—they’re about to finally fulfill their destiny.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Look, I’m not saying this recipe will fix your problems… but it’ll definitely distract you for a good 20 minutes.
It’s ridiculously easy—like, “even my friend who once burned water” level easy.
The blondies come out soft, gooey, banana-infused, and slightly caramel-y thanks to the brown sugar.
And bonus: your kitchen will smell like you actually tried today. Which is nice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 ripe bananas – The spottier, the better. Like “hmm should I throw these out?” level ripe.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Liquid gold.
• 1 cup brown sugar – For that rich, almost butterscotch vibe.
• 1 large egg – The glue that holds your life and this recipe together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Because dessert without vanilla tastes like sadness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Nothing fancy.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder – A tiny lift so your blondies don’t feel personally attacked by gravity.
• 1/4 tsp salt – A little salt makes everything sweeter (including you).
• Optional: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon – For when you’re feeling extra.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Yes, before you start mixing. If you forget, your blondie batter will sit there judging you.
2. Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
   Trust me—future you will appreciate the easy lift-out situation.
3. Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
   You can use a fork, a whisk, or your unresolved emotions. All work fine.
4. Add melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
   Stir until everything looks smooth-ish. It won’t be perfect; neither are we.
5. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in.
   Fold gently. Don’t overthink it (or overmix it).
6. Add chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling bold.
   This step is optional but highly recommended for mental health purposes.
7. Pour the batter into the pan.
   Spread it out evenly like you’re smoothing a blanket—lovingly, but lazily.
8. Bake for 22–28 minutes.
   You want the edges golden and the center slightly soft. Underbaked? Delicious. Overbaked? Still edible. Win-win.
9. Cool before slicing.
   Or don’t. I’m not your baking boss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the oven preheat: Rookie mistake. Your blondies will bake weird and blame you forever.
• Using unripe bananas: If they’re yellow and firm, your blondies will taste like regret.
• Overmixing the batter: Stir until just combined. Not “I’m unleashing my gym energy” levels of mixing.
• Overbaking: They’re blondies, not bricks. Pull them out when they’re slightly gooey.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Gluten-free? Swap in a 1:1 GF flour. Works like a charm and tastes practically identical.
• No brown sugar? You can use white sugar, but the flavor won’t be as deep. IMO, brown sugar is the MVP here.
• Vegan version? Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg. Your blondies may be slightly softer but still delicious.
• Add-ins: Peanut butter swirl = glorious. Walnuts = classy. Chocolate chunks = chaotic good.
• Want it spicier? A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and makes you seem like you know what you’re doing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely. Just thaw them and drain the extra liquid unless you want blondie soup.

Do these stay soft?

Yep! They’re naturally moist (sorry) thanks to the bananas. Store them in an airtight container and they stay dreamy for days.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course. Use a 9×13 pan and prepare to feel very accomplished.

Can I make them less sweet?

Sure—cut the sugar to 3/4 cup. Just don’t blame me if they taste less magical.

Can I add protein powder?

You can. Should you? Eh. If you do, replace about 1/4 cup of flour with protein powder and add an extra splash of milk.

Do I have to add chocolate chips?

Do you have to breathe oxygen? Technically no, but life is better when you do.

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• Ground Beef Taco Bowl Recipe
• Best Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Recipe
• Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe

Final Thoughts

And just like that—you’ve got warm, gooey banana bread blondies that required basically zero effort but deliver maximum happiness. Now go impress someone with your new baking skills… or just eat the whole pan yourself while watching your favorite show.
You earned it.