Banana desserts have never been the most desirable; you always make them when your bananas are browned and dying as a last resort. I didn’t want that sort of recipe. I wanted the kind of recipe that makes you go out and buy bananas just to make it. And I think I’ve found that.

Banana Blondies With Chocolate Chips

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened(or Earth Balance)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup(8 oz) mashed banana puree(about 2 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Let butter soften for about an hour before starting the recipe. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter and brown sugar. Next, add in the banana puree, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt and mix together.

Lastly, add in the flour and mix until just incorporated. Spread the batter evenly in an 8×8 baking pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center has set and the edges are slightly browned.

I’ll admit that these were so easy I was a little worried how they’d come out. Could they rise? Hold their structure? They did. They were nice and soft and a little moist—perfect blondies. And the chocolate chips added just enough bitterness to contrast the salty/sweet base.

Tomorrow’s lesson: Frosting!