• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
It's Not Complicated Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Subscribe
  • Get in touch
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Gluten-Free Banana Blondies

    Gluten-Free Banana Blondies

    Published: Jun 27, 2020 · Modified: Jul 23, 2021 by Alexandra Cook

    For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

    826 shares
    Jump to Recipe Leave Review

    These Gluten-Free Banana Blondies are rich, buttery and fudgy with the fresh, vibrant flavour of banana. They are so quick and easy to make they are certain to become a family favourite.

    three blondies stacked on a grey board. some crumbs around, and in the background a green mug and white cloth.

    I’m sure that you all know and love brownies but you may be less familiar with blondies. If so, it’s time to remedy that.

    Blondies are sometimes referred to as brownies without chocolate but that doesn’t give them full credit. They deserve their own recognition, being a delicious snack or dessert with their own personality.

    These sweet treats are sometimes known as cookie bars. They are denser than cake but moister and softer than cookies.

    three blondies stacked on a grey board. some crumbs around.

    What is the difference between a blondie and a brownie?

    There are similarities between the two, but the main difference is that the one constant ingredient in brownies is chocolate.

    The blondie typically doesn’t contain chocolate, with the main flavouring ingredients being vanilla and brown sugar. However, chocolate chips may sometimes be added as an optional extra. For this recipe, we have used bananas to complement the caramel flavour of the vanilla and brown sugar.

    At times there is some confusion between blondies and white chocolate brownies. But again, chocolate is the differentiating feature. They are two separate identities.

    Whilst we may know the brownie better, Wikipedia advises that blondies were enjoyed at least ten years before brownies were developed. Blondies were made in the late 19th century whilst brownies were developed in 1905.

    three banana blondies stacked on a grey board. some crumbs around, and in the background a green mug and white cloth.

    Why we love this Recipe:

    We love an easy recipe which is quickly made and that is certainly the case with these irresistible sweet treats.

    A friend in America has shared this recipe with us, and I couldn’t be more excited. I asked what some of her favourite desserts were, and this one topped the list (and I now know why!)

    These Gluten-Free Banana Blondies have a rich, buttery caramel flavour which is beautifully complemented by the banana.

    They are a dream match, made to be together.

    Enjoy them as a snack, ideal to pack into a lunch box or to take on a picnic. Or serve small slices for morning or afternoon tea. One of my favourite ways to serve them is for dessert. Serve them warm with my No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream; there are no words!

    Banana Bread is a wonderful way to use over-ripe bananas. But if you’re looking for another use for those bananas, this is a great alternative.

    Ingredients in this Recipe:

    ingredients used in this recipe for the blondies, on a white background.

    Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

    Gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour – I have used a commercial blend. However, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need them to be gluten-free.

    Brown sugar – this gives the blondies a delicious, caramel-like flavour and adds moisture.

    Unsalted Butter – I use unsalted butter so that I can control the salt content. If you only have salted butter on hand, then just reduce the salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

    For this recipe, I use melted butter. Melting the butter, rather than creaming it with the sugar in the traditional manner, is what helps produce the dense texture associated with blondies.  

    Bananas – it is important to use overripe bananas; they are sweet and full of flavour.

    Eggs – for ethical reasons I always use free-range eggs.

    Vanilla – I use good quality vanilla. In different countries, the name varies between extract and essence. For the best flavour use the natural product and not one which is synthetically derived.

    Salt – I use coarse sea salt. Do not use table salt it has finer crystals and will be stronger.  

    Step by Step Instructions:

    You’ll need to start by preheating your oven to 175 Degrees C (350 F). Line a 22×22 cm (9×9 inch) tin with baking paper. Spray the baking paper with a little oil. This will stop the slice from sticking.

    first four steps to make this recipe.

    1. Melt your butter;
    2. Mash the bananas;
    3. Combine the bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar and salt.
    4. Add in the flour, and mix well to combine.

    final two steps to make this recipe.

    5. Pour into the prepared pan. Spread the mixture out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
    6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before attempting to cut as they will fall apart if they are still warm.

    Tips for Success and FAQs:

    I recommend that you line your baking dish with non-stick baking paper and leave some overhang. This will make it easier to remove the Gluten-Free Banana Blondies from the dish.

    Baking is a science and the measurements need to be precise. For this reason, I prefer to weigh my ingredients. But if you are measuring flour by volume, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife. Do not pack it down.

    Cooking times are a guide as all ovens vary. It is important to not overcook the blondie. Err on the side of caution; removing the blondie from the oven a little too early is better than a little too late. The blondies will continue to cook for a time after removal from the oven.

    Room temperature eggs are best as they will more evenly incorporate into the batter. If you forget to remove the eggs from the refrigerator just place them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.

    Can I freeze the Banana Blondies?

    Yes, they freeze well. To freeze, wrap the slices in cling wrap then transfer them to an airtight freezer container. You can freeze them for up to three months.

    What is the best way to store the blondies?

    Once they are cool store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. The blondies are, not surprisingly, at their best on the first day. After about day three they start to lose some of their flavours. They will certainly keep for about 5 days. At this time, I like to warm them and serve for dessert.

    What type of brown sugar is best?

    I have used regular brown sugar. If you prefer a richer flavour use dark brown sugar.
    The flavours are complex with vanilla and brown sugar tasting like luscious rich caramel. Buttery, moist and fudgy they are the perfect, easy snack or dessert.

    Should there be baking powder in this recipe?

    There is no leavening in this recipe. You can make a rich and fudgy blondie with no chemical leavening at all. In this instance, we are depending on the eggs to be the raising agent.

    Can I frost the blondies?

    Absolutely – I have kept them plain, but you could certainly add a frosting/icing of your choice if you wish.

    Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

    If you wish, you can add some nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Chocolate chips are always a popular choice. I would use no more than 1 cup of additions.
    Also, you could use less salt (or none at all) and sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top.

    hand holding up one banana blondie. another two blondies in photo on a grey board. some crumbs around, and in the background a green mug and white cloth.

    When it comes to serving:

    Cut the blondies into squares. They are perfect for school or work lunch boxes. As they are very portable they are ideal to take to potlucks or picnics.

    If you are serving them for morning or afternoon tea, when there is an assortment of other sweets, it is best to cut them into daintier sizes.

    More Recipes you will love:

    We love sharing gluten-free recipes that taste just as good as a regular recipe! Our aim is that you would never know a recipe was gluten-free. Try some more of our favourite sweet treats – these are all gluten-free:

    • Pear and Raspberry Cake
    • Blueberry Cake
    • Lemon Madeleines
    • Belgian Lemon Tea Cake
    • Almond Cookies

    This simple recipe makes moist, fudgy Banana Blondies which are certain to become a family favourite.  

    Please let me know in the comments below if you try these lovely Gluten-Free Banana Blondies.

    Alex xx

    three blondies stacked on a grey board. some crumbs around, and in the background a green mug and white cloth.

    Gluten-Free Banana Blondies

    These Gluten-Free Banana Blondies are rich, buttery and fudgy with the fresh, vibrant flavour of banana. They are so quick and easy to make they are certain to become a family favourite.
    4.93 from 99 votes
    Print Pin Review
    Course: Afternoon Tea, Dessert, Morning Tea
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 406kcal
    Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups (300g) gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour See Note 1
    • 1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar
    • 1 cup (250g) butter See Note 2
    • 2 eggs See Note 3
    • 2 overripe bananas See Note 4
    • 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Optional Extras:

    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate

    Recipe Measurements:

    For accuracy, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 175 Degrees C (350 F).
    • Line a 22×22 cm (9×9 inch) tin with baking paper. We recommend allowing some overhang, to make it easier to remove the blondies.
      Spray the baking paper with a little oil. This will stop the slice from sticking.
    • Melt your butter.
    • Mash the bananas until smooth.
    • Combine the bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar and salt.
    • Add in the flour, and mix well to combine.
    • Pour the batter into your prepared tin. Spread evenly with a spatula.
    • Bake in your pre-heated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes.
      To check when they are ready, use a very thin skewer or toothpick. You don't want it to come out completely clean, but the mixture should not appear raw. To achieve the desired fudgy centre the skewer needs to come out with a little stickiness. The blondie will continue cooking a little further after removing from the oven. Don’t look for the skewer to come out clean; the blondie will be overcooked at that stage.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before attempting to cut as they will fall apart if they are still too warm.

    Notes

    1. Use a regular all-purpose/plain flour if you require. (This has been tested, and works perfectly) Our gluten-free flour blends contain either xanthan or guar gum to stabilise and provide structure to our recipes. If your flour blend already contains either of these gums, there is no need to add more. 
    2. Use unsalted butter to best control the salt in baking.
    3. Use room temperature eggs for best results. We use large eggs in this recipe.
    4. Use bananas that have gone past eating stage – they need to still be fine to bake with and will have the most intense banana flavour.
    5. For the most accurate measurements when baking, we suggest you weigh your ingredients.
    6. As all ovens are different, this time may vary slightly.
    7. The serving size and nutritional information is based on the bars being cut into 10 and one being enjoyed as a serving.
    8. Please note, the optional extras are not included in the nutritional information (as we did not use them.)
    9. The Banana Blondies really need to chill before cutting, otherwise, they will fall apart. 

    Nutrition Estimate:

    Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Please rate and leave a comment!
    Nutritional Disclaimer:

    The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

    « Caramel Crumb Bars
    Beetroot Pickled Turnips »
    826 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam

      May 20, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      Easy recipe and so delicious! Love serving warm with peanut butter ice cream. They’re so good!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        May 20, 2021 at 4:10 pm

        Oh Sam, with peanut butter ice cream sounds SO good – I am definitely going to make a batch and try it! Yum – thanks for sharing! Kind regards, Alex

        Reply
    2. Nancy

      May 19, 2021 at 11:27 pm

      I made these twice with gluten free flour and I don’t know why but it came out as cake rather blondie both times. Don’t know what went wrong!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        May 20, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Hi Nancy,
        Thanks for trying the recipe. Did you alter it in any way? Also, may I ask if you weighed your ingredients or used cups? We do provide cup measurements, but for accuracy, we recommend weighing ingredients.
        Otherwise, the only reason I can think of for the blondies to come out cake-like would be that they are overcooked. All ovens do vary, so if you were to try this recipe again, I would recommend checking them sooner – they should have a fudgy centre. Feel free to let me know if you have any queries.
        Kind regards, Alex

        Reply
    3. Iuliana

      March 05, 2021 at 6:38 am

      I did twist the recipe às I do not eat sugar, I used 3 bananas instead of butter, 1 cup of coconut oil, 70% chocolate chips, a handful of chopped pecan…and voila…perfect for me. I did use the GF flour Thanks..

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        March 05, 2021 at 4:48 pm

        Thank you for sharing!
        I am sure other readers who also don’t eat sugar will find it useful. I love the addition of the chopped pecans – yum!

        Reply
    4. Amanda

      January 27, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      WOW made these tonight and they were SUPER YUMMY. So moist, delicious and had a great fudgy texture. Thank you so much for this recipe ! Will definitely be making these again!!!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        January 29, 2021 at 3:41 pm

        Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Amanda – I am happy you enjoyed the blondies!

        Reply
    5. amy gann

      November 30, 2020 at 5:15 am

      can you substitute coconut flour for the gluten free flour?

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        November 30, 2020 at 7:05 am

        Hi Amy!
        I am sorry, but I have never baked with coconut flour before, so I couldn’t honestly say.
        Let me know if you give it a try, I would be curious to know how it works out!

        Reply
      • Christy

        April 15, 2021 at 8:39 pm

        Made these over the weekend and wow! They are amazing! I am thinking I cooked them a little longer than needed as had more a cake texture than fudge! However the taste was sensational! I am making them again today and cooking them slightly less. No way would you think these blondies are gluten free! Delighted with this recipe. Thank you

        Reply
        • Alexandra

          April 16, 2021 at 12:39 pm

          Hi Christy!
          Thank you so much – I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed them and are making them again 🙂

    6. Mia

      September 24, 2020 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      I found your recipe looking for gluten free treats and I’m so glad I did!! The banana flavor really came through and the texture was so fudgey and rich! I let my bananas overripe like you suggested and it turned out perfectly!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        October 03, 2020 at 3:12 pm

        Hello Mia, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Banana Blondies, thank you for taking the time to let me know. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Gerry Golub

      July 09, 2020 at 5:43 am

      I am wondering if the flour blend should have xanthan gum or not?

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        July 09, 2020 at 4:45 pm

        Hi Gerry, the flour blend that I have used contains xanthan gum. Please let me know if you try the recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Christie

      July 06, 2020 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      These GF banana blondies are sooooo good! I love that delicious fudgy texture to them as well! So perfect to use up any bananas we may have.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        July 06, 2020 at 9:04 am

        Yes, Christie, here’s another way to use those bananas that linger in the fruit bowl. And, they’re delicious! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Lizet Bowen

      July 01, 2020 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      I’m so glad I found your recipe!! I have a few sad-looking bananas ready to go to a delicious dessert! I can already smell these banana blondies.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        July 01, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        Lizet, this is a great way to use those bananas. I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the Blondies. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Robyn

      June 30, 2020 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! What a delicious and different recipe to use up brown bananas!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        June 30, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        Thank you, Robyn.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Hello!

    I’m Alex.

    I am a full-time blogger, passionate foodie and writer who loves to travel.

    Welcome to It’s Not Complicated Recipes!

    My blog reflects my approach to cooking. I like it to be simple, easily prepared and delicious. learn more about me here →

    Find A Recipe

    Popular Recipes

    • Shot of open jar of jam, with a silver spoon sitting on top. Apricot Jam
    • Up close shot of small pot of sauce, sitting on a saucer with a spoon on the side. Sweet Chilli Sauce
    • Small white bowl of pickled ginger. Easy Pickled Ginger (Gari)
    • Three Ingredient Lemon Marmalade. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes. Three Ingredient Lemon Marmalade

    Seasonal Recipes

    Jar of Persimmon Jam, with a white spoon with jam on it resting on jar, sitting on a white plate and pink plate.

    Persimmon Jam

    Pinwheels sitting on a round white plate.

    Cinnamon Apple Pinwheels

    Overhead shot of baked pasta dish, sitting on dark grey cloth.

    Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

    four doughnuts sitting on bench, surrounded by some sprinkling of pumpkin spice, with a white cloth and green jug in the background.

    Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts – Gluten-Free

    free e-book at itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Our Story
    • Recipes
    • Blog

    Disclaimers

    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Policy (GDPR)
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms Of Use

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    COPYRIGHT © 2023 · IT'S NOT COMPLICATED RECIPES | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    826 shares