Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
There’s banana bread, and then there are these Brown Butter Banana Bread Blondies. Chewy, gooey, and packed with caramelized banana flavor and nutty brown butter, these bars are my go-to when I want something indulgent and comforting that still feels homemade and nostalgic. Plus, no mixer required!
Thick, chewy banana bread blondies with deep caramelized flavor from brown butter—your new favorite dessert bar!
I love blondies because they’re a one-bowl wonder, and this version levels up the classic with the richness of browned butter and mashed ripe bananas. It’s basically banana bread’s cool cousin who shows up to brunch with chocolate chips in her bag. These are especially good slightly warm, with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Whether you're meal prepping snacks for the week or just need a quick win, this is the kind of recipe that feels both homemade and Pinterest-worthy. I like to slice mine into 12 small squares, but honestly, no judgment if you go for a jumbo bar. They’re that good.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 12 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 210
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease well.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma—about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg, vanilla, and mashed banana. Mix until smooth.
Step 4
Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips if using.
Step 5
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Step 6
Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7
Cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days (or freeze!).
Make it your own!
🍫 Add cocoa powder for a brownie-blondie hybrid.
🥜 Swirl in peanut butter before baking for extra indulgence.
🍌 Use two bananas and reduce sugar for a moister bar.
🥥 Mix in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
☕ Add a splash of espresso powder to deepen the flavor.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
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