Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

I am so excited to share my favorite Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe with you! These blondies are incredibly moist and tender, packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and topped with a luscious brown sugar frosting that adds a perfect caramel-like touch. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy moment at home. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

What I love most about this Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is the flavor harmony it delivers. The banana lends a subtle fruitiness that complements the deep caramel notes from the brown sugar frosting. Together, they create a rich, comforting taste that balances sweetness without being overpowering. The butter, especially if browned, brings in a warm nuttiness that makes each bite feel so special and satisfying.

Besides the incredible taste, the simplicity of this recipe really won me over. It comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, and I appreciate how quick it is to prepare—mix, bake, frost, and you’re done in under an hour. It’s perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, these blondies are ideal for all sorts of occasions: a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or even holiday celebrations. I always find that folks can’t get enough of these delightful squares.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from flavor to texture to appearance. It’s amazing how a few simple items come together in such a delicious way.

• Butter (1/2 cup, melted or browned): Adds rich flavor and moisture, especially wonderful if you brown it to deepen the taste.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup for blondies, 1/2 cup for frosting): Provides sweetness and creates that classic caramel undertone.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the blondies and gives them their tender crumb.
• Mashed banana (1/2 cup or 1 medium banana): Naturally sweetens and keeps the blondies moist.
• Milk (2 tablespoons for frosting): Smooths the frosting to a perfect spreading consistency.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup for frosting): Adds sweetness and creates that silky soft frosting texture.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This makes removing the blondies a breeze.

Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. For extra flavor, continue cooking the butter until it turns a beautiful amber color and gives off a nutty aroma—this browning step really elevates the blondies. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Let the butter cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, vanilla, and salt into the cooled butter until everything is well combined. Then, whisk in the egg until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Gently fold the all-purpose flour and mashed banana into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—you want to keep the batter tender, so be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Spread the blondie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Allow the blondies to cool mostly before frosting to ensure the frosting sets nicely rather than melting into the blondies.

Step 7: To make the brown sugar frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring until just boiling. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Spread this luscious frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Let the frosting set fully and the blondies cool to room temperature before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 12 generous squares of blondies, perfect for sharing or satisfying your own sweet tooth over a few days. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, which includes mixing and getting everything ready for the oven. Bake time is 30 minutes, and you should also set aside some time—around 20 to 30 minutes—for the blondies to cool and for the frosting to set before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at about 50 to 60 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve This Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

I love serving these blondies fresh at room temperature or slightly warm. The warm option especially brings out the buttery flavors and makes the frosting irresistibly gooey. For a special touch, I like to cut them into bite-sized squares for casual parties, so guests can easily grab and enjoy them without utensils.

To elevate the presentation, a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts on top of the frosting adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon can also complement the banana’s sweetness beautifully. These blondies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo, but I’ve also found that a smooth cream liqueur or flavored iced tea enhances the caramel notes for an adult twist.

These blondies are absolutely perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend family dinners, or even as a thoughtful homemade treat to pack in lunchboxes. Because they hold together nicely, they also make excellent grab-and-go snacks for picnics or school events. I highly recommend trying to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe in lots of ways. For a gluten-free option, I swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, making sure to choose one with xanthan gum for structure. It works beautifully with no compromise on texture or flavor.

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, try substituting the butter in the blondies and frosting with coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter. I’ve used almond or oat milk instead of regular milk in the frosting with great results. You might also want to replace the egg with a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to keep it egg-free and still maintain moistness.

For extra flavor flair, mixing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips adds texture and richness. You could also swirl in some peanut butter or a handful of shredded coconut. If you want to skip the frosting altogether, a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top still lets the banana blondies shine.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days this way. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerating them in a sealed container helps prolong freshness for up to a week, though I prefer them at room temperature for the best texture.

Freezing

These blondies freeze beautifully if you want to keep them for longer. I cut them into individual squares before freezing and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe ziptop bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, take out the number of pieces you want and thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, I pop leftover blondies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. If frozen, let them thaw fully first for the best texture. Avoid reheating in a high-temperature oven as it can dry them out. The microwave preserves the moisture and softness nicely without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are naturally sweeter and softer, which contributes to the moist texture and rich banana flavor in the blondies.

What if I don’t brown the butter? Will it still taste good?

Yes, you can skip browning the butter if you’re short on time. The blondies will still be delicious, but browning the butter adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that I personally love and recommend when you have the chance.

Can I make these blondies without the frosting?

Definitely. The blondies are tasty on their own, and you can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if you prefer a lighter topping.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Look for a set center and edges that are slightly pulling away from the pan. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor. I love walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as inspired as I do to try this Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that always brings smiles and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a banana lover or just after an easy, delicious treat, this recipe really hits the spot. I can’t wait for you to enjoy making it in your kitchen and sharing it with your favorites—the warm, cozy flavor truly makes it unforgettable.

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