You know how they say "blondes have more fun." Well, we're putting this to the test with these vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip banana blondies. Think brownie and banana bread hybrid. Two desserts for the price of one.
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📖 About
So, this recipe came to life from an argument. We were fighting over which treat is better: a brownie or a slice of banana bread. The answer is obvious, right?
Wrong.
But, instead of wasting time proving one is better than the other, we decided to combine them into one killer blondie recipe.
These banana blondies have it all. They are healthy enough for breakfast (bananas are a fruit, you know), but will also satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner. We're telling you, they're the ultimate hybrid.
These bars come together so quick, and they work well to make ahead of time since they freeze well. So, what are you waiting for?!
🍲 Key ingredients
There are so many delicious aspects of these blondies, but the key ingredients are:
- Bananas: we love using bananas in our baking because it adds natural sweetness from the fructose instead of having to use huge amounts of refined sweeteners. Just make sure to pick the brown, almost over-ripe bananas that everyone wants to throw away. Those are the perfect type.
- Chickpea flour: a sneaky ingredient in this recipe is chickpea flour. While it's not commonly the first type of flour people reach for when baking, we think it's texture adds a unique complexity to these bars. Did we mention it's naturally gluten-free and high in protein?
- Peanut butter: the creaminess of peanut butter makes the perfect replacement for oil. It keeps these bars nice and moist. If peanut butter isn't your thing, you can sub with any nut butter. Almond or cashew work well too!
- Coconut sugar: this adds a rich, caramel flavor to this dessert. We love cooking or baking with it because it's more natural than traditional sugar.
Mix the dry ingredients together Add in the wet ingredients
🔪 Instructions
To begin with, you'll need to whisk together the dry ingredients. This helps disperse important things like baking powder. It's obviously an important ingredient if it has the word "baking" in the title, right?
Next, you're going to need a trusty banana masher. Kids work great for this task, especially if you bribe them with a treat when it's all done.
Once you combine all your mashed bananas and other wet ingredients, add in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips!
The best part of any recipe.
Just an FYI, if the bag of chocolate chips accidentally spills all over the blondies, the recipe will still turn out. At least that's what we heard.
Spread the blondie mix in a parchment-lined pan. Try not to sneak a bite or two.
Then, do the hardest thing about this recipe.
Wait for them to bake.
🌡️ Storage
These will last for up to 3 days at room temperature.
They also store really well in the fridge or freezer. We usually slice them into serving sizes, and store in an air tight container for up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 1 month in the freezer.
💭 Budget tips
We think everyone should be able to eat better for less, so here are a few tricks to make this recipe even more affordable:
- Only use all-purpose flour (just remember it's not gluten-free)
- Use agave nectar instead of maple syrup
- Shop around for your dark chocolate chips and consider buying in bulk
🍴 Tasting notes
We know you'll love these chocolate chip banana blondies. They are:
- Dense
- Sweet
- Chocolatey
- Chewy
- Moist
If you try this recipe, please rate it and leave us a comment below! Want to stay up-to-date with new recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter or connect with Broke Bank Vegan on social media. Happy eating!
📋 Recipe
Chocolate Chip Banana Blondies
Equipment
- 8x8 baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dry
- 1 cup oat flour ($0.29)
- 1 cup chickpea flour ($1.28)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar ($0.16)
- ½ tsp cinnamon ($0.02)
- ½ tsp baking powder ($0.01)
- A pinch of sea salt ($0.01)
Wet
- 1 cup mashed banana, approx. 2 ½ small ($0.30)
- ¼ cup peanut butter ($0.23)
- ½ tbsp vanilla ($0.31)
- ¼ cup soy milk ($0.07)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup ($0.30)
Add-ins
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips ($0.67)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas and set aside.
- Then, combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together, making sure to get all the clumps out.
- Mix together the rest of the wet ingredients with the mashed bananas.
- Add dry ingredients slowly to the wet ingredient bowl, mixing together well.
- Fold in your chocolate chips, and any other desired add-ins.
- Fill the pan with batter, making sure to spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Wait for the blondies to cool about 10-15 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the chocolate chips for other add-ins, like nuts or dried fruit.
Nutrition
♻️ Similar recipes
For more tasty chocolate recipes, check out our:
- Vegan double chocolate muffins if you're a chocolate fiend and need double the dose.
- Easy vegan brownies to settle the debate of brownie versus blondie.
- Vegan chocolate chip banana bread if you want the secret to perfect texture and consistency every time.
- Chocolate peanut butter cups for a dessert that gives Reese's a run for its money.
💬 FAQ
Yes, but we have not made it with any others besides oat and chickpea. Just make sure to do your research on flour replacement ratios.
When you insert a toothpick into the middle of the pan, it should come out mostly clean with very little batter sticking to it.
You can substitute regular brown sugar in place of coconut sugar.
We prefer the taste of these blondies with peanut butter, but anyone works. Just use your favorite kind!
leave a comment and rating!