Ultimate Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies: A Decadent & Easy Dessert
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience with these incredible Peanut Butter Blondies! They are the epitome of chewy, gooey goodness, bursting with a rich, creamy, and buttery flavor that will instantly become a new favorite. But these aren’t just any blondies; they feature a delightful twist with ripe bananas and generous amounts of chocolate chips folded into every bite. This harmonious blend creates a dessert that’s perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, designed to quell even the most intense sweet tooth cravings.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies
My journey to this recipe began with an abundance of perfectly ripe bananas, and while classic chocolate chip banana bread is always a winner, I felt inspired to create something a little different, a little sweeter, and even more indulgent. These peanut butter blondies go beyond the simple allure of creamy peanut butter; they introduce a subtle yet unmistakable hint of banana, which pairs exquisitely with the nutty undertones and a deluge of rich chocolate chips. The result is a dessert that truly hits every note—sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying. You simply can’t go wrong with this delicious, comforting treat.
At their core, blondies are distinct from brownies. While brownies boast a cocoa or chocolate base, blondies celebrate the warm, caramel-like notes of brown sugar and the fragrant essence of vanilla. To this classic blondie foundation, we generously add layers of flavor and texture. The mashed bananas contribute an incredible amount of moisture, ensuring a soft, tender crumb, while the creamy peanut butter infuses each bite with a rich, nutty depth. And, of course, the semi-sweet chocolate chips are essential for delivering that quintessential burst of chocolatey bliss, making these bars truly irresistible.
Imagine a dreary day transformed by a batch of these glorious peanut butter blondies. These soft, wonderfully chewy bars, perhaps enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee or a soothing mug of tea, are more than just a dessert; they’re a moment of pure comfort and happiness. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, bringing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself when you need a little pick-me-up. The ease of preparation combined with their phenomenal taste makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Chocolate Chip Blondies
Good news! You likely have most, if not all, of these simple ingredients already stocked in your pantry and fridge. This means there’s nothing stopping you from whipping up a batch of these delectable blondies right now. Seriously, I’m not making the rules here – your craving demands immediate action!
For the absolute best flavor and a wonderfully moist, tender consistency, I highly recommend using very ripe bananas. Those bananas with plenty of brown spots are perfect; they’re sweeter and mash more easily, incorporating seamlessly into the batter. However, if you’re in a hurry and can’t wait for your bananas to ripen, I completely understand – just be aware the banana flavor might be a touch less pronounced. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brown sugar: This is key for the blondies’ signature caramel-like flavor and chewy texture. Packed brown sugar adds moisture.
- Butter: Melted butter contributes to the rich, tender crumb and buttery taste.
- Banana: One medium to large ripe banana, mashed, for moisture, sweetness, and that subtle fruity note.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, uniform peanut butter flavor throughout. Opt for a brand you love!
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together and help with the structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and adding a warm, aromatic depth.
- All-purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the blondies their structure.
- Baking Powder: Provides a little lift, ensuring your blondies aren’t too dense.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect complement to peanut butter and banana. You can also experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips.
How to Make These Irresistible Peanut Butter Blondies
Creating these delightful blondies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Just follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan
Before you begin mixing, set your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the batter is ready, allowing for even baking. While the oven preheats, lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan. You can use butter, baking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. A little prep goes a long way!
Step 2: Create the Creamed Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients and sugars. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, mashed banana, creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed to gently mix these ingredients together. The goal here is to just combine them until they are well incorporated and smooth. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want to keep the batter tender.
Step 3: Complete the Batter with Dry Ingredients and Chocolate
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them thoroughly beforehand ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the blondies. Once combined, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in the large bowl. Mix until everything is just moistened and no dry streaks of flour remain. Again, avoid overmixing. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter for chocolate in every bite!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully spread the prepared batter evenly into your greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. The key to perfect blondies is not to overbake them. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (for a gooier center). Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them into bars. This cooling time is crucial for them to set properly and achieve their ideal chewy texture.
Pro Tip for Ultimate Gooeyness: For those who adore super gooey, melt-in-your-mouth blondies, aim to pull them out of the oven closer to the 18-minute mark. The residual heat in the pan will continue to cook them slightly as they cool, achieving that perfect balance of set edges and a soft, fudgy middle. Don’t be afraid if the center still looks a little underdone when you first take them out!
Frequently Asked Questions About Blondies
While both blondies and brownies are cherished for their chewy, gooey, and utterly delicious qualities, their fundamental flavor profiles set them apart. The distinguishing factor lies in their base. Blondies derive their signature yummy flavor from a combination of brown sugar and vanilla, which imparts a rich, caramel-like, and buttery taste. Brownies, on the other hand, feature a cocoa powder or melted chocolate base, giving them their characteristic deep, fudgy chocolatey flavor. Think of blondies as the vanilla (or caramel) counterpart to a brownie’s chocolate.
Absolutely! A truly perfect blondie should have a wonderfully gooey and slightly soft center, contrasting beautifully with slightly crispier edges. While you definitely want your blondies to be fully cooked for safety, they are at their peak deliciousness when they retain that delightful chewiness and a touch of fudginess in the middle. To achieve this ideal texture, look for visual cues: the edges should appear set and lightly golden, while the very center might still look a little soft. When you perform the toothpick test, insert it near the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, that’s often the sweet spot. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake blondies, as they will continue to set as they cool in the pan.
Proper storage is key to keeping your blondies fresh and delicious. At room temperature, store your blondies in an airtight container for about 5-7 days. To extend their freshness even further, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to 10 days. For long-term storage, blondies freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To defrost, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker treat, warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds until soft and gooey again.
While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter to ensure a smooth, uniform texture, you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture with small peanut pieces, which can be a delightful addition if you enjoy a more varied bite. Just be aware that it might slightly alter the overall gooeyness, but the flavor will still be fantastic. Give it a try if you’re a fan of extra crunch!
This recipe suggests semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they offer a balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter and banana without being overly rich. However, feel free to customize! Milk chocolate chips will yield a sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor, while dark chocolate chips will provide a more intense, slightly bitter contrast that many find appealing. You could even use a mix of different chocolate chips for a complex flavor profile, or include chocolate chunks for larger pockets of melted chocolate. Experiment to find your favorite!
More Irresistible Recipes To Try
If you’ve enjoyed these Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies, you’re in for a treat with these other delightful dessert recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor experience that’s sure to satisfy:
- Skillet Blondie with Bourbon Caramel Pecans: A warm, comforting blondie baked in a skillet, topped with boozy caramel and crunchy pecans.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: All the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie, but in an easy-to-make bar form.
- Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies: A rich brownie base layered with gooey caramel and creamy peanut butter.
- S’more Brownies: Capture the magic of a campfire s’more in a decadent brownie, complete with graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t miss out on any of my latest sweet and savory creations! Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive recipes and updates. You can also follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses!
Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 banana mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter I used creamy
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, banana, peanut butter, eggs and vanilla just until combined.
-
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well and add to creamed mixture. Combine just until moistened and stir in chocolate chips.
-
Spread into a greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home Most Requested Recipes cookbook.