Amazing Banana Blondies: 16 Sweet Servings

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Banana Blondies have become my go-to dessert bar for every potluck and family gathering since I stumbled upon this incredible recipe. I remember the first time I pulled these golden beauties from the oven; the aroma of sweet banana and vanilla filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to childhood memories of warm banana pudding. These aren’t just any blondies; I truly believe they are the best Banana Blondies you’ll ever taste, perfectly capturing that nostalgic flavor in a convenient bar form. If you’re looking for an easy banana square recipe that’s sure to impress, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Blondies

I’m so excited for you to try these incredible Banana Blondies because they truly check all the boxes for a perfect dessert. Here’s why I know you’ll fall in love with them:

They taste like a dream! Imagine the comforting flavor of banana pudding in a chewy, portable bar.
The prep time is minimal, making these Easy Banana Blondies a fantastic option even on busy weeknights.
They are incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples you likely already have.
These truly are Easy Banana Blondies to whip up, perfect for beginner bakers or a quick treat.
They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore these delightful banana dessert bars.

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Blondies

Creating these delightful Banana Blondies requires a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have on hand. The quality of your Banana Blondie ingredients really shines through in the final product, so I always recommend using fresh items.

16 Ounces Vanilla Wafers – These form the delicious, crunchy base that makes these blondies taste like banana pudding.
2 Cups Butter (Melted and Divided) – Butter provides richness and helps bind the crust, as well as keeping the blondies moist.
3 Cups Flour – The foundational dry ingredient for our blondie batter.
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda – This helps our blondies rise and become wonderfully light.
1 Teaspoon Salt – A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 1/4 Cup White Sugar – Sweetens the blondies to perfection.
2 Boxes Banana Pudding (3.4 Ounces Each) – This is the secret to that intense banana flavor without using fresh bananas!
3 Eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add to the rich texture.
2 Teaspoons Vanilla – Enhances the overall sweet and comforting flavor of the blondies.
2 Cups White Chocolate Chips – Adds pockets of creamy sweetness throughout.

How to Make Banana Blondies

Making these delightful Banana Blondies is a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love how easily they come together. Follow these Banana Blondie baking instructions carefully for the best results, and get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible!

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good spray with cooking spray. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and will be easy to remove.
Step 2: Next, it’s time for the vanilla wafer crust. Place the vanilla wafers in a large plastic baggie and crush them thoroughly. I like using a rolling pin for this, it’s quite satisfying! Set aside one cup of the crushed wafers for later.
Step 3: Pour the remaining crushed wafers into a large bowl. Measure out 3/4 cup of the melted butter (make sure to measure it before melting!) and pour it over the crushed wafers. Mix until everything is well combined; it should look like wet sand.
Step 4: Press this buttery wafer mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake this crust for just 5 minutes. This quick bake helps set the crust, making it perfectly crisp and flavorful for your Banana Blondies.
Step 5: While the crust is baking, prepare your blondie batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and both boxes of dry banana pudding mix. This dry mix is key to the intense banana flavor!
Step 6: Now, add the wet ingredients to your dry mix. Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining melted butter. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
Step 7: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the reserved one cup of crushed vanilla wafers. These additions provide wonderful texture and bursts of sweetness throughout your Banana Blondies.
Step 8: Spread the blondie batter evenly over the pre-baked crust in your pan. Pop it back into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; these delicious Banana Blondies are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Blondies

I’ve made these Banana Blondies countless times, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee perfect results every single time. These expert tips will elevate your banana dessert bars from good to absolutely phenomenal, ensuring they are always a hit!

Always use fresh vanilla wafers for the crust; stale ones can affect the texture.
Do not overmix the blondie batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, as this can lead to a tough, dry result.
Keep a close eye on the baking time; ovens vary, and pulling them out slightly underdone can result in a chewier blondie.
Let your Banana Blondies cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a stable texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Chewy Banana Blondies?

The key to achieving truly Chewy Banana Blondies lies in not overbaking them. I always pull mine out of the oven when the edges are set and golden, but the center still looks slightly soft. As they cool, the center will firm up, leaving you with that wonderfully moist, chewy texture everyone loves. This also helps ensure you get truly Moist Banana Blondies.

Can I make Banana Dessert Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Banana Dessert Bars are fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the entire recipe, bake them, and then store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Blondies with Banana?

To avoid common pitfalls when making Blondies with Banana, first, don’t substitute the dry pudding mix for fresh bananas; the pudding mix is key to the flavor and texture. Second, ensure your butter is properly melted for the crust and batter for consistent results. Lastly, resist the urge to overbake, as this is the most common reason for dry blondies.

Best Ways to Serve Banana Blondies

These Banana Blondies are absolutely delicious on their own, but I love to elevate them with a few simple serving suggestions. They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a delightful dessert for guests. Think of these as your go-to Banana Square Recipe that can be dressed up or down.

For a truly decadent treat, I often serve a warm Banana Blondie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, chewy blondie with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of fresh whipped cream also makes them feel extra special. These blondies also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. For a lighter touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar is all they need to shine.

Nutrition Facts for Banana Blondies

I always get questions about the nutritional content of my recipes, so I’m happy to provide an estimate for these delicious Banana Blondies. This data is calculated per serving, assuming the recipe yields 16 bars, making it easier for you to track your intake.

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods. These Banana Blondies are truly a treat!

How to Store and Reheat Banana Blondies

Once your irresistible Banana Blondies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious. I always let them cool fully in the pan before attempting to cut them, which helps them set properly and prevents crumbling.

For short-term storage, place the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly fresh and chewy for about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can also store them in the refrigerator, which can extend their freshness by a day or two, especially in warmer climates.

These Banana Blondies also freeze beautifully! Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds until soft and gooey again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Blondies

What are Banana Blondies exactly?

Banana Blondies are a delicious dessert bar, similar to brownies but without the chocolate base. My recipe is unique because it uses banana pudding mix and vanilla wafers to create a flavor profile reminiscent of banana pudding. They are typically dense, chewy, and rich, making them a comforting and satisfying treat.

Can I use fresh bananas instead of pudding mix in these Banana Blondies?

While you can make blondies with fresh bananas, this specific recipe for Banana Blondies relies on the pudding mix for its distinct flavor and texture. Using fresh bananas would change the moisture content and might require significant adjustments to the dry ingredients. For the best results with this particular recipe, stick to the banana pudding mix.

Why are my Banana Blondies dry?

The most common reason for dry Banana Blondies is overbaking. Every oven is different, so I always recommend checking them a few minutes before the suggested bake time. They should look golden brown around the edges, but the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a moist and chewy texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these Banana Blondies?

Absolutely! These Banana Blondies are wonderfully adaptable. Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition, adding a nice crunch and earthy flavor. You could also experiment with butterscotch chips, toasted coconut flakes, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top after they’ve cooled. Feel free to get creative and make them your own!

Variations of Banana Blondies You Can Try

One of the best things about this Banana Blondies recipe is how versatile it is! Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can easily experiment with different Banana Blondie variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. I love playing around with flavors and textures to keep things exciting.

Vegan Banana Blondies: For a plant-based option, you can substitute the butter with a good quality vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Ensure your vanilla wafers are also vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free Banana Blondies: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your vanilla wafers and pudding mix are certified gluten-free as well. This allows everyone to enjoy these delightful bars!
Chocolate Chip & Nut Banana Blondies: Amp up the flavor by adding a mix of milk chocolate chips alongside the white chocolate, or stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Caramel Swirl Banana Blondies: After spreading the batter in the pan, drizzle about 1/4 cup of warm caramel sauce over the top and swirl it gently with a knife before baking. This adds another layer of rich sweetness to your Banana Blondies.