Name: Irresistibly Soft Banana Blondies You’ll Crave Daily
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 boxes Vanilla Wafers (crushed); ¾ cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (spooned into measuring cup); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.25 teaspoon Salt (adjust if using salted butter); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with brown sugar); 1 package Instant Banana Pudding Mix (avoid cook-and-serve varieties); 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (preferably pure); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (or semi-sweet chocolate)

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The aroma of sweet bananas wafts through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to summer picnics where desserts were the undeniable stars. My Soft and Chewy Banana Blondies are a twist on classic banana pudding, cleverly baked into luscious bars that are both fun and comforting. With the delightful crunch of a buttery vanilla wafer crust, these blondies are not only a fantastic homemade treat but also a quick dessert solution for unexpected guests or a satisfying after-school snack. You’ll love how effortlessly they come together, and who can resist that soft, chewy center paired with bursts of sweet white chocolate? Ready to experience a new favorite? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Are These Banana Blondies So Special?

Irresistible Flavor: Each bite features a delightful mix of banana and creamy white chocolate, reminiscent of your favorite banana pudding.

Quick to Make: Prep and bake in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings.

Textures That Wow: The buttery vanilla wafer crust adds a satisfying crunch, beautifully contrasting the soft, chewy blondie.

Customizable Goodness: Try variations like dark chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch. You can even make a fun twist with our Chunky Monkey Banana version!

Crowd Favorite: These blondies are loved by both kids and adults, ensuring they’ll disappear at any gathering.

Easy Storage: Keep them fresh in an airtight container, perfect for enjoying throughout the week!

Banana Blondies Ingredients

For the Crust
Vanilla Wafers – About 1 ½ boxes needed; crushed for texture creates a flavorful base.
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness; substitute with coconut oil or margarine if needed.
For the Blondie Base
All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy.
Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps the blondies rise, giving them a delightful texture.
Salt – Enhances flavor; if using salted butter, adjust accordingly.
Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and moisture; can replace with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Instant Banana Pudding Mix – Adds luscious banana flavor and moisture; avoid cook-and-serve pudding varieties.
Eggs – Binds ingredients together; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic flavor; opt for pure for the best taste.
White Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and creaminess; semi-sweet chocolate can be an alternative.

These Banana Blondies are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Blondies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of your delicious Banana Blondies later on.

Step 2: Crush the Vanilla Wafers
Place about 1 ½ boxes of vanilla wafers into a resealable plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands until they become fine crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of the crushed wafers for later use; the rest will form the base of your crunchy, buttery crust.

Step 3: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining crushed vanilla wafers with ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir the mixture well until all crumbs are coated, then press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the crust is baking, take another bowl and whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 package of instant banana pudding mix. Ensure everything is evenly blended, as this step helps create the perfect texture for your Banana Blondies.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter. Mix until well incorporated, and then gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring only until just combined to keep your blondies light and airy.

Step 6: Fold in Chips and Reserved Wafers
Now, carefully fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips along with the reserved 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers. Be gentle during this step to maintain the fluffiness of the batter, which will create the soft, chewy texture your Banana Blondies are known for.

Step 7: Bake the Blondies
Spread the blondie batter evenly over the pre-baked crust in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they will be done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once your Banana Blondies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to set properly. After about 30 minutes, slice them into squares and enjoy this delightful treat, bursting with flavor and nostalgia!

Expert Tips for Banana Blondies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and butter at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, yielding a softer texture for your Banana Blondies.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter; stir until just combined to prevent a dense outcome. This lightness is key for the perfect blondie!
Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on your blondies while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dryness—remove them when the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cooling Time: Allow your Banana Blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures cleaner cuts and helps them hold their shape.
Customize Wisely: When adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate, go easy on the extras. Balance is essential; you want the banana flavor to shine through!

Banana Blondies Customizations

Feel free to make these Banana Blondies your own with these fun and tasty variations!

Dark Chocolate: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Add in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture. These additions bring warmth and heartiness to each bite.
Extra Banana Flavor: Omit the banana pudding mix and use 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas for an intensified banana flavor. This lets the natural sweetness shine!
Nut Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergen-friendly version. Guests won’t even know they’re missing the nuts!
Vegan Variant: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan twist.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmer, spiced notes that enhance the overall flavor profile. It’s a lovely way to enjoy these blondies during the colder months.
Cream Cheese Surprise: Swirl in ½ cup of cream cheese mixture (cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla) for a cheesecake-inspired twist. These blondies become irresistibly rich and creamy!
Mini Version: For a fun bite-sized treat, make mini blondies in a muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, watching carefully for doneness.

No matter how you decide to play with these flavors, your Banana Blondies will be an irresistible treat! If you’re looking for more variations, consider checking out our Chunky Monkey Banana or Peanut Butter Banana recipes for additional tasty inspiration!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Blondies

Room Temperature: Store your Banana Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the blondies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm the blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Enjoy!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft and Chewy Banana Blondies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the crust and press it into the pan up to 24 hours in advance, covering it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, you can mix the dry ingredients together and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to finish the blondies, simply blend the wet ingredients, combine them with the dry mix, and proceed to bake. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, warm Banana Blondies with minimal effort, bringing cozy comfort to your table even on hectic days!

What to Serve With Soft & Chewy Banana Blondies

Indulging in banana blondies is a delight in itself, but enhancing the experience with the perfect pairings takes it to a whole new level.

Whipped Cream: The light, fluffy texture of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful elegance and perfectly complements the blondies’ chewiness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a deliciously cold contrast, melting slightly over the warm blondies for a heavenly treat.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries brightens the sweetness of the blondies, creating a refreshing balance in every bite.
Chocolate Drizzle: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a sumptuous layer of richness, emphasizing the white chocolate chips in your banana blondies.
Caramel Sauce: Sweet, gooey caramel drizzled on top enhances the flavor, bringing out the banana’s natural sweetness and luscious texture.
Chopped Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans offer a satisfying crunch, adding a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy blondie.
Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect accompaniment during cozy gatherings.
Banana Smoothie: For a fun twist, serve a chilled banana smoothie alongside for an extra fruity experience that echoes the blondies’ flavor.

By combining these delightful options with your banana blondies, you’re setting the stage for a memorable dessert experience that your loved ones won’t soon forget!

Banana Blondies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for the recipe?
Absolutely! Use ripe bananas that are covered with brown spots for the best flavor. These bananas will be sweeter and easier to mash, adding delightful moisture to your blondies. If you happen to have overly ripe ones that are super soft, they are perfect for this recipe!

How should I store my Banana Blondies?
Store your Banana Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, transfer them to the refrigerator where they can last for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid any drying out!

Can I freeze Banana Blondies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Banana Blondies, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to savor them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!

What can I do if my Blondies turn out too dense?
Very! If your Blondies end up too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. Another tip is to make sure your ingredients—especially the butter and eggs—are at room temperature for better incorporation.

Are there any allergens I should be aware of in this recipe?
If you’re dealing with allergies, note that the recipe includes eggs and may contain traces of dairy if using butter or chocolate. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut oil in place of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. Always check labels if you’re concerned about allergens!