Large Blondie with Banana Bread and Light Caramel Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Blondie Layer

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spread in Pan: Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Bread Layer

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Add Bananas: Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spread on Blondie Layer: Carefully spread the banana bread batter over the blondie layer in the baking pan.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Light Caramel Drizzle

1. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it turns a golden amber color.
2. Add Cream and Butter: Carefully add the heavy cream and butter to the caramel mixture (it will bubble up). Stir until smooth.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Cool: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling over the dessert.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Drizzle Caramel: Once the blondie and banana bread layers have cooled, use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the light caramel over the top.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Tips for the Best Blondie with Banana Bread

• Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in the banana bread layer.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Cool Completely: Ensure the dessert is fully cooled before slicing to maintain clean edges and layers.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of the dense, buttery blondie layer with the moist, flavorful banana bread layer creates a unique and delicious dessert. The light caramel drizzle adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making this dessert both impressive and irresistible.

Variations to Try

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to either the blondie or banana bread layer for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for a sweet start to your day.
• As a Gift: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift.

Enjoy making and savoring this Large Blondie with Banana Bread and Light Caramel Drizzle, a dessert that combines the best of both worlds in every bite!