Description
These Banana Bread Blondies are a moist, flavorful twist on classic blondies, infused with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they make the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, offering a comforting blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Blondie
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 overripe bananas, mashed (2/3 cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
Glaze
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 360ºF (182ºC). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the blondies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Banana and Egg: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas to the wet mixture in the mixer. Blend until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, coarse salt, and toasted walnuts to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour and nuts.
- Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until no pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the blondies tender.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the blondies are baking, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Cool: As soon as the blondies come out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 bars to serve.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, or toast in a dry pan over medium heat.
- For easier slicing, chill the blondies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after glazing.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave nuts out for a nut-free option.
- The glaze can be omitted or replaced with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American