Name: Banana Blondies with Brown Butter Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485594H36M56S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk); Pinch of salt

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I love these Banana Blondies with Brown Butter Frosting because they’re moist, flavorful, and have a delightful twist with the brown butter frosting. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty frosting, making this dessert a comforting and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Blondies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Gently fold in the mashed bananas and optional walnuts or chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes), being careful not to burn it.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Gradually add the browned butter, stirring until smooth.

Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Adjust by adding more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too runny.

Once blondies are cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.

Optional: Garnish with extra walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or caramel drizzle.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 9 generous squares. Preparation time is roughly 15 minutes, baking takes 25–30 minutes, and frosting preparation takes about 10 minutes. Cooling and assembly add an additional 15 minutes, so expect about 1 hour from start to finish.

Variations

Nut-Free: I skip the walnuts and focus on the banana flavor alone for a smooth texture.

Vegan Option: I substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use dairy-free butter alternatives for both blondies and frosting.

Chocolate Lovers: I add chocolate chips directly to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top after frosting for an extra chocolatey kick.

Storage/Reheating

I store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, I let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving. Reheating in the microwave for 10-15 seconds helps revive their soft texture without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, I often use frozen bananas thawed and mashed. They work perfectly and add extra sweetness and moisture.

Can I make the blondies gluten-free?

Absolutely! I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts, which works well here.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

I insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, I make the frosting a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bring it back to room temperature before spreading.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

I use milk as an alternative, but heavy cream makes the frosting richer and creamier.

Conclusion

I find these banana blondies with brown butter frosting an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist banana base combined with the nutty, creamy frosting creates a balance of flavors and textures I really enjoy. Whether I’m making them for a casual snack or a special dessert, this recipe never disappoints.

Recipe:

Banana Blondies with Brown Butter Frosting

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 squares
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Moist and flavorful banana blondies topped with a rich and nutty brown butter frosting, perfect for using ripe bananas in a comforting dessert.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and optional walnuts or chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
For the Brown Butter Frosting: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes), being careful not to burn it.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the browned butter, stirring until smooth.
Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Adjust by adding more cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too runny.
Once blondies are cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.
Optional: Garnish with extra walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or caramel drizzle.