Are you ready to indulge in a sweet and easy treat? These Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies combine the best of both worlds: fruity banana flavor and rich chocolate chips. I’ve crafted this recipe to be simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a kitchen pro, I’ll guide you through every step. Let’s dive into making these delightful blondies!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or snack.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and melted butter ensures these blondies are incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate, or even swapping in different types of chips.
- Perfect for Sharing: These blondies are cut into squares, making them ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, well-mashed until smooth
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional but recommended)
I love using ripe bananas for this recipe. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Use bananas that are brown and soft for the best flavor.
For the butter, I prefer unsalted. It gives you control over the salt in the recipe. If you want to make it dairy-free, substitute with melted coconut oil or a vegan butter.
Brown sugar is key here. It keeps the blondies chewy and moist. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar works well too.
Make sure your egg is at room temperature. It helps the batter mix better. If you want an egg-free version, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
All-purpose flour is what I typically use, but you can swap it for gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum.
Finally, chocolate chips are a must! They melt beautifully and add richness. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding nuts. Walnuts give a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer.
Now you have all the ingredients you need! Let's get baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms up your oven for baking.
2. Prepare the Pan: Take a 9x9-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This helps the blondies come out easily after baking.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a big bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add the ½ cup melted butter and mix until they blend well.
4. Add Sugar and Egg: Stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix it until smooth. Then crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is even and lump-free.
5. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. This helps mix the dry ingredients well.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Use a spatula to stir gently. Stop mixing when you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can make the blondies tough.
7. Fold in the Goodies: Carefully add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts if you like. Fold them in gently for even distribution.
8. Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool: Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut the blondies into 16 squares. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- How to achieve the perfect texture: The key to great blondies is not overmixing. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until you see no dry flour. This helps keep your blondies soft and chewy.
- Importance of ingredient temperature: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Cold eggs can make your batter lumpy and affect the final rise. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you bake.
- Common pitfalls to avoid while mixing and baking: Avoid adding too many chocolate chips or nuts. This can make your blondies dense and hard. Stick to the amounts in the recipe for the best results. Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt treats.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your blondies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your blondies soft and chewy, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking your blondies at 25 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Store Properly: For the best texture, store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavors of your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies. Here are some fun ideas:
- Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies: To make them gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works well for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
- Vegan alternative recipe adjustments: For a vegan version, replace the egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a chia egg. To do this, mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Add-ins for enhanced flavors: You can mix in extras to give your blondies a unique twist. Consider adding:
- ½ cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- ½ cup dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries for sweetness.
- A tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
These variations let you create something new each time you bake. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!
Storage Info
Storage Tips
To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you plan to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option.
- Freezing: Cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you are ready to eat, remove a piece from the freezer. Let it thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes. For the best taste, warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes the chocolate chips melty and delicious.
These tips will ensure you enjoy every last bite of your blondies!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first and mash them well. Frozen bananas actually work great in baking. They add moisture and sweetness. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing.
How do I know when my blondies are done baking?
You know your blondies are done when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check them around 25 minutes into baking. If they need more time, bake for another few minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
What are some serving suggestions for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies?
Serve these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Pair them with fresh banana slices for a fun twist. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely treat.
You now have everything you need to make delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Blondies. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. With variations for different diets and storage info, you'll enjoy these blondies for days. Remember, mixing ingredients correctly and checking for doneness are vital for success. Have fun experimenting with flavors and serving options! With these recipes, you can share joy and sweetness with everyone. Enjoy your baking adventur
