Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
Soft Banana Walnut Blondies are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich nuttiness of walnuts. Each bite delivers a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making these blondies an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Blondies are often considered a cousin to brownies, but instead of chocolate, they highlight flavors like vanilla and brown sugar, giving them a unique sweet and buttery profile. In this recipe, the addition of mashed bananas not only adds moisture but also enhances the sweetness, allowing you to reduce added sugars. The toasted walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch, elevating these blondies beyond the regular sweet bar.
Why make this recipe
These Soft Banana Walnut Blondies are not just indulgent but also quite easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Utilizing simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch without requiring any specialized equipment or skills. They are also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that may otherwise go to waste, providing a delicious and resourceful solution to the common kitchen dilemma of too many forgotten fruits.
In addition to their delightful flavors and textures, these blondies can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert after dinner, a sweet treat for a potluck, or even a tasty snack to pack in lunches, these blondies fit the bill perfectly. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled if you’re planning to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy these luscious bars.
How to make Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
Making Soft Banana Walnut Blondies is a straightforward process that takes just a few simple steps. You will start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan. Greasing the pan and lining it with parchment paper ensures that your blondies lift out easily after baking.
Once the pan is ready, the next step involves mixing the wet ingredients. You’ll combine melted vegan stick butter or coconut oil with light brown sugar, mashed ripe banana, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients until smooth is critical, as this forms the flavorful base of your blondies. Following this, you’ll incorporate fine sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring these leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
The dry ingredient, all-purpose flour, will be gently folded into the wet mixture. This is a crucial moment, as overmixing can result in dense blondies; only mix until just combined. Next, you’ll add chopped walnuts, leaving some for topping, which not only enhances flavor but also adds an attractive finish to the blondies.
Once the batter is ready, transfer it to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Afterward, scatter the leftover walnuts on top and pop it in the oven. Bake until the surface is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean, an indication that they’re perfectly done. Let them cool in the pan for a short while before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing for easier cutting.
Ingredients
- 113 g vegan stick butter (about 8 tbsp), melted or 125 g melted coconut oil
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (around 125 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 83 g walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped (divided for mix-in and topping)
Directions
- Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, mashed banana, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well blended.
- Add baking powder and baking soda, stirring to distribute evenly through the mixture.
- Gently fold in flour along with most of the chopped walnuts, mixing just until a thick batter forms without dry spots.
- Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, then scatter the remaining walnuts on top.
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden, slightly risen, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for around 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and place on a rack to cool fully before cutting into squares.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 16 squares
How to serve Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
Soft Banana Walnut Blondies can be served in various delightful ways depending on your preference. They are delicious enjoyed plain, letting the natural sweetness of the banana shine through. For a more decadent experience, consider serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This classic pairing transforms these blondies into a sumptuous dessert that is sure to impress any guests or family members gathered around the dinner table.
You might also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or a rich caramel sauce on top for an added layer of flavor, enhancing the already delightful combination of banana and walnut. For those who enjoy textures, serving them with a sprinkle of sea salt can bring out the sweetness and offer a contrasting crunch that makes each bite more interesting.
Should you wish to make these blondies a part of a special occasion, they can also be elegantly plated with fresh fruit or garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar to give a bakery-style appeal.
How to store Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
Storing your Soft Banana Walnut Blondies is quite easy, allowing you to make them ahead of time or save leftovers for later enjoyment. Once the blondies have fully cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you opt for refrigeration, they can last up to a week, although preserving their soft texture might be better at room temperature.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving.
Tips to make Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
To achieve the best results with your Soft Banana Walnut Blondies, a few tips can enhance your baking experience. First, ensure your bananas are very ripe; the added sugars from the overripe fruit will create a more flavorful and moist blondie. Also, consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour, as this can affect the outcome of your blondies significantly.
When mixing, be careful not to overmix the batter—stop as soon as the flour is incorporated to ensure a light and chewy texture. Toasting the walnuts before adding them enhances their flavor, making your blondies even more delicious. If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, you can add an extra half banana, adjusting the flour slightly to balance the moisture.
Finally, baking times can vary based on your oven and the pan thickness, so keep an eye on the blondies during the last few minutes in the oven. Checking for doneness with a toothpick is key; it should come out clean for perfectly baked blondies.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different kind of nut instead of walnuts?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute with pecans or even chocolate chips if you prefer.
Q: What is the best way to tell when the blondies are done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
Q: Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Soft Banana Walnut Blondies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 113 g vegan stick butter (about 8 tbsp), melted Or 125 g melted coconut oil
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 1 pieces ripe banana, mashed (around 125 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 190 g all-purpose flour
Mix-ins
- 83 g walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped (divided for mix-in and topping) Leave some for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until smooth and well blended.
- Add baking powder and baking soda, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour along with most of the chopped walnuts, mixing just until a thick batter forms without dry spots.
- Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and scatter the remaining walnuts on top.
Baking
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for around 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and place on a rack to cool fully before cutting into squares.
