Irresistible Peanut Butter, Jam, and Nutella Banana Blondies: Your New Go-To Flourless Treat
Prepare yourself for a new culinary obsession! These Peanut Butter and Jam Nutella Banana Blondies are incredibly moist, fudgy, and dense, promising to become your absolute favorite dessert or snack. All you need is a tall glass of milk to complement their rich flavors and set the perfect mood. Far from your average baked good, these blondies offer a delightful twist on a classic, combining beloved pantry staples into a truly unforgettable treat.
Imagine a dessert that’s not only decadently delicious but also surprisingly wholesome. These flourless blondies share the same irresistible consistency as traditional banana blondies, but with an added layer of complexity and flavor. Each bite reveals sticky centers, beautifully marbled with swirls of sweet jam and creamy Nutella, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a comforting indulgence or a satisfying snack to conquer those midday cravings, these blondies are the perfect answer.
The Secret to Irresistible Fudgy Texture: Flourless Magic with Chickpeas
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t stood over the kitchen sink, guiltily spreading peanut butter on one side of a banana and Nutella on the other, trying to convince themselves it’s a “healthy” snack? We’ve all been there! But what if you could transform that guilty pleasure into an even more glorious, baked creation that still harnesses the natural goodness of bananas, peanut butter, and Nutella, while adding a surprising, wholesome ingredient? That’s precisely what these blondies offer.
The true marvel of this recipe lies in its flourless nature and the ingenious use of canned chickpeas. Yes, chickpeas! Far from being just for hummus, these humble legumes are the secret to achieving that incredibly moist, fudgy, and dense texture that makes these blondies so addictive. They act as a binding agent and provide a delightful chewiness, all while being completely undetectable in the final product. Plus, they contribute a boost of plant-based protein and fiber, making these blondies a more satisfying and nutritious option than many traditional baked treats. This clever substitution not only makes these blondies naturally gluten-free but also adds an unexpected depth to their wholesome profile.
Effortlessly Delicious: How to Master Your Banana Blondies
You’ll be amazed at how incredibly simple it is to create these show-stopping banana blondies. This particular spin on chickpea blondies is an exceptionally forgiving and fool-proof recipe, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. What makes it even better is that it requires minimal, easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in mere minutes with the help of a food processor. Forget complicated steps or lengthy prep times; simplicity is key here.
The process couldn’t be more straightforward: simply combine all your core ingredients into your food processor and blend until a smooth, velvety batter forms. Once your base is ready, gently fold in any optional mix-ins you desire, like chocolate chips, for an extra layer of indulgence. Then, pour the luscious batter into a baking tray meticulously lined with parchment paper – a crucial step for easy removal and cleanup. For that signature swirled look, dollop generous amounts of jam and Nutella over the batter before baking. A final flourish of extra chocolate chips on top can elevate their appearance and taste even further. Pop them into the oven, and in less than half an hour, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, signalling that your batch of Peanut Butter and Jam Nutella Banana Blondies is ready to be devoured.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Why Each Component Matters
Every ingredient in these blondies plays a vital role in creating their unique flavor and texture profile. Understanding their function helps appreciate the magic behind this simple recipe.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are essential here, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and that distinctive banana flavor that forms the foundation of these blondies. They also contribute to the fudgy texture.
- Rolled Oats: While these are flourless blondies, rolled oats provide necessary structure and a slightly chewy texture without the heaviness of traditional flour. They also add wholesome fiber.
- Peanut Butter: Beyond its rich flavor, peanut butter contributes to the moistness and density of the blondies. Its healthy fats also help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive batter.
- Canned Chickpeas: As mentioned, these are the unsung heroes! Drained and rinsed, they become an invisible textural enhancer, providing fudginess and body without adding any “beany” flavor. They’re also a great source of protein and fiber.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures a slight lift and contributes to the soft interior texture of the blondies.
- Brown Sugar (and other sweeteners): Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the blondies incredibly moist. You can adjust the total sugar amount to your preference or use alternative sweeteners.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making them pop.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect batter consistency, ensuring everything blends smoothly in the food processor.
- Nutella: The beloved hazelnut cocoa spread creates decadent pockets of chocolatey goodness, adding a luxurious creaminess and rich flavor.
- Strawberry Jelly/Jam: Provides a burst of fruity tartness and sweetness, creating a beautiful contrast with the rich peanut butter and Nutella. Feel free to experiment with other jam flavors!
Smart Substitutions for Your Blondies
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences:
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): While canned chickpeas are incredibly convenient for this recipe, you can certainly use precooked or boiled chickpeas if you have them on hand. Just ensure they are well-drained and rinsed before adding them to your food processor.
- Peanut Butter: If peanut butter isn’t your favorite, or if you have allergies, feel free to substitute it with any other natural nut butter. Cashew butter, almond butter, or even hazelnut butter (for an extra Nutella-like kick!) will work beautifully and impart their unique flavor profiles. Just ensure it’s a smooth, natural variety for the best texture.
- Honey: Honey not only adds a lovely sweetness but also contributes significantly to the super fudgy texture of these chickpea blondies. If you prefer a vegan option or just a different sweetener, the same quantity of pure maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener like agave nectar can be used successfully.
- Rolled Oats: For those looking for an alternative to oats or a slightly different texture, you can substitute the rolled oats with almond flour for a finer crumb, or even plain/all-purpose flour if you’re not strictly avoiding gluten. Keep in mind that using wheat flour will change the “flourless” aspect.
- Jam/Nutella: Don’t limit yourself to strawberry jam! Raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam would be delicious. For Nutella, any hazelnut cocoa spread will work just as well. You can even swap Nutella for melted chocolate or a different nut butter swirl if you prefer.
Baking to Perfection & Serving Suggestions
The moment these beautiful fudgy blondies emerge from the oven, a warm, inviting aroma of banana and roasted peanuts will fill your kitchen, a scent so enticing it’s almost impossible to resist. Be prepared to be instantly surrounded by eager family and friends, all wanting to grab a slice (or five!). These warm, sweet, sticky, and utterly fudgy slices are truly a sensory delight. They are perfect enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or cooled to achieve a firmer, more cake-like consistency.
While a glass of milk is the classic accompaniment, these versatile blondies can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a decadent dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts over the warm blondie, creating an even richer experience. They also make a fantastic breakfast treat on the go or a satisfying afternoon snack to power you through the day. Pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome surprise or wrap them up as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their robust flavors and delightful texture make them a hit for any occasion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These blondies are so delicious, they rarely last long! However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- At Room Temperature: Store cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The fudginess tends to improve on the second day!
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to a week. They might be slightly firmer when cold, but can be warmed slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
- Freezing: These blondies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Craving More Nutella? Explore These Delicious Recipes!
If you’re a fan of the irresistible hazelnut cocoa spread, then you’re in for a treat! These blondies are just the beginning. Check out these other fantastic Nutella-infused recipes:
- Nutella Churro Donut Holes: A delightful fusion of crispy churros and creamy Nutella.
- Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: An ultimate indulgence, perfect for sharing (or not!).
- Nutella Hot Chocolate Oatmeal (Porridge): Start your day with a comforting and chocolatey twist.
Pin
Peanut Butter and Jam Nutella Banana Blondies
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 12 oz canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 teaspoons Nutella or any hazelnut cacao spread
- 9 teaspoons strawberry jelly/jam
Instructions
-
Preheat oven 200°C | 390°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray, wipe excess over with a paper towel and set aside. Lining with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, is also recommended for easy removal.
-
Combine ALL ingredients (excluding the Nutella and jam) into a food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, which typically takes about 5 minutes, depending on the power of your food processor. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. The goal is a uniform, thick batter with no visible chickpea chunks.
-
Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased and/or parchment-lined baking pan. Using a spoon, dollop the jam and Nutella evenly over the surface of the batter. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage.
-
With the back of a small spatula or a knife, gently swirl both spreads into and over the batter. Create beautiful, enticing patterns on the surface. Ensure the swirls are well distributed so every slice gets a taste of jam and Nutella.
-
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes (baking times can vary depending on your oven). The blondies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out semi-clean with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking; a slightly “dirty” toothpick indicates a richer, fudgier bar.
-
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for them to set properly. Once cooled to room temperature, gently lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 even bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.