Irresistible Banana Nut Blondies: Your New Favorite Way to Use Overripe Bananas

Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to transform those overly ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter? While banana bread is a classic, sometimes you crave something a little different, something equally comforting but with a unique twist. Enter **Banana Nut Blondies**! These delightful bars offer all the warm, sweet flavors of your favorite banana bread but in a convenient, portable bar form. They’re incredibly moist, packed with nutty goodness, and perfect for an on-the-go snack, a lunchbox treat, or a satisfying dessert.

The inspiration for these irresistible blondies came quite serendipitously. Lately, I’ve been spending more time on Instagram, sharing everything from behind-the-scenes kitchen moments to new recipes and even engaging with you all on important food-related questions. It was through an Instagram giveaway that I won a bounty of nuts – a perfect excuse to finally whip up these Banana Blondies I had been dreaming about. And because I always stand by my word, I combined a mix of crunchy walnuts and earthy pecans to create a truly memorable treat.

These aren’t just another banana recipe; they’re a revelation. If you find yourself with one or two lonely, spotty bananas and are weary of baking yet another loaf of banana chocolate chip bread, mini banana bread, or small batch banana muffins, these blondies are your answer. They capture the essence of banana bread with a slightly denser, chewier, and wonderfully cakey texture that makes them truly special. Plus, they score bonus points for being an excellent travel snack – I can personally vouch for packing a few for a plane ride. The nuts provide a fantastic source of protein and energy, making them as nourishing as they are delicious.

What Exactly Makes a Blondie a Blondie?

The distinction between a blondie and a brownie is quite simple, yet often misunderstood. While brownies are characterized by their rich chocolate flavor and dark color, blondies are their lighter, vanilla-based counterparts. Here’s what sets a true blondie apart:

• No Cocoa Powder or Chocolate: Unlike a brownie, a traditional blondie does not contain cocoa powder or a significant amount of chocolate (unless added as a mix-in). This allows other flavors, like the banana and butterscotch notes, to shine through. I once saw a recipe for peanut butter “brownies” that completely lacked chocolate – that’s a classic example of a peanut butter blondie!
• Brown Sugar is Key: Blondies traditionally call for brown sugar instead of granulated white sugar. Brown sugar is crucial for several reasons: it imparts a distinctive caramel-like flavor, contributes to the blondie’s signature chewy texture, and gives them their beautiful golden-blonde hue. This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving that authentic blondie experience.
• Vanilla Forward: While brownies highlight chocolate, blondies celebrate vanilla. A good quality vanilla extract is essential to enhance the overall flavor profile, complementing the brown sugar and any other mix-ins.

Customize Your Banana Blondies to Perfection

One of the best things about these banana blondies is how easily you can adapt them to your personal preferences. The base recipe is fantastic on its own, but feel free to get creative with your additions:

• Nuts: I couldn’t decide between walnuts and pecans, so I opted for a delightful blend of both! You can stick to one type of nut – walnuts for a classic flavor, pecans for a buttery crunch, or even almonds for a milder taste. Toasted nuts can add an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. My personal preference is semi-sweet chocolate chips, which provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the blondies. However, white chocolate chips offer a creamy sweetness, milk chocolate adds a softer flavor, and even peanut butter chips could create a delicious flavor combination.
• Other Mix-ins: Don’t stop at nuts and chocolate! Consider adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist, dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy fruitiness, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. You could also try a swirl of nut butter for an extra rich flavor.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re exploring other blondie ideas, you might enjoy making some white chocolate raspberry blondies from Anna Banana. And if bananas aren’t what you’re craving at the moment, check out my snickerdoodle cookie bars or gingerbread blondies for other fantastic bar recipes.

Baking Perfect Banana Nut Blondies: Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect blondie texture – chewy edges, a soft, dense center, and a beautiful golden crust – is straightforward with a few key tips:

• Overripe Bananas are Essential: Don’t use firm, yellow bananas! The browner and spottier your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Overripe bananas also provide more moisture, contributing to the blondies’ tender texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt), mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are fine; they will disappear during baking.
• Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg emulsifies more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in the final product. If you forget to take your egg out in advance, place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of cooled blondies out of the pan. This allows for clean, easy cutting without damaging the edges.
• Don’t Overbake: Blondies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry and crumbly very quickly. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into warm blondies! They need time to fully set and firm up. Cutting them while warm will result in crumbly, messy squares. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before lifting and slicing.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of the most delightful Banana Nut Blondies you’ve ever tasted!

Banana Blondies

Yield:
16 squares

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
23 minutes

Total Time:
38 minutes

If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter but are tired of making banana bread, bake up these Banana Blondies with nuts instead.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 8 tablespoons
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup mashed banana (roughly 1 large banana)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, and/or chocolate chips (can use a mixture or only one type)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, banana, egg, and vanilla.
4. Switch to a rubber spatula and gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the nuts/chips.
5. Transfer the batter into the pan and bake 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are ok). Cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

• Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my Peanut Butter Blondies and Gingerbread Blondies.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Banana Nut Blondies have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

These blondies are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them:

• As a quick and satisfying breakfast on the go.
• Packed in lunchboxes for a delightful midday treat.
• Warmed slightly and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• As a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Blondies

Can I use underripe bananas for this recipe?

No, it’s highly recommended to use very ripe or overripe bananas. They are sweeter, softer, and provide the necessary moisture and intense banana flavor crucial for these blondies. Underripe bananas will result in less flavor and a drier texture.

What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use white sugar instead?

While you can technically use white granulated sugar, it’s not recommended for a true blondie. Brown sugar is essential for giving blondies their characteristic chewy texture and caramel-like flavor profile. Using white sugar will result in a different taste and texture, closer to a cake or cookie bar than a classic blondie.

Can I add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg would complement the banana flavor wonderfully. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen spice and adjust to your preference in future batches.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. A completely clean toothpick might indicate they are overbaked, which can lead to a dry texture. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make these gluten-free?

While this recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free flour, you could try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture. Always ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Can I make these vegan?

To make these vegan, you would need to substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.

These Banana Nut Blondies are more than just a recipe; they’re a delightful solution to a common kitchen dilemma, offering a unique and incredibly tasty alternative to the usual banana bakes. Their ease of preparation, customizable nature, and wonderful flavor make them an instant classic. So, grab those overripe bananas and get baking – you won’t regret it!

More Delicious Banana Recipes to Explore:

• Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
• Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge Frosting
• Banana Mango Yogurt Smoothie
• Banana Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake

Source: Adapted from Simply Recipes