Desserts
This 7Brew banana bread blondie recipe combines the rich, moist texture of banana bread with the buttery, golden layers of blondies—all in one pan. The secret lies in the coffee extract, which enhances the caramel notes and balances the sweetness, creating a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Perfect for coffee lovers who crave something heartier than a typical blondie, this recipe delivers a deep, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of brew.
What makes this recipe stand out is the dual-layered approach, where the bottom half gets its signature banana bread moisture while the top remains blondie-style buttery and golden. The coffee extract isn’t overpowering—it’s subtle, adding depth without bitterness.
Whether you’re baking for a brunch spread or a cozy dessert night, this recipe ensures every bite is rich, tender, and packed with that signature 7Brew twist.
The result is a dessert that’s easy to make yet feels like a bakery creation. With a few simple techniques—like properly mixing the wet and dry ingredients and ensuring even baking—you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced texture: a moist, spiced banana layer at the bottom and a buttery, caramelized blondie top.
The coffee extract ties everything together, making it a standout treat that’s as versatile as it is indulgent.
Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra elegance. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly, so make sure to have extra on hand—or save slices for later.
This recipe is your go-to for satisfying that sweet tooth while keeping things professional, flavorful, and foolproof.
Ingredients for 7brew banana bread blondie
Twelve ingredients blend banana bread richness with blondie buttery layers—all in one pan.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas 🍌 | 2 cups | Mashed, no brown spots |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 cups | Sifted for light texture |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 ½ cups | Light brown preferred |
| Packed Brown Sugar 🍚 | 1 cup | For caramelized depth |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Softened, not melted |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | Room temperature |
| Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 2 tsp | Pure, not imitation |
| 7Brew Coffee Extract ☕ | 1 tbsp | Subtle coffee depth |
| Baking Soda 🧂 | 1 tsp | Freshly opened |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | 1 ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Ground Nutmeg 🌿 | ½ tsp | Freshly grated |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | ½ cup | For dusting |
| Vanilla Glaze 🍯 | ½ cup | Optional finishing touch |
The coffee extract is the magic here—7Brew delivers that subtle depth without bitterness. Grab it from specialty coffee shops or online if your grocery store doesn't carry it. For the bananas, overripe is best—the spottier, the better. I always use King Arthur flour for baking; it's reliable for that tender crumb. The butter should be soft but not melted—microwave 20 seconds if needed. Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make all the difference, so if you've got whole spices, toast and grind them yourself.
No coffee extract? Instant espresso powder at half the amount works in a pinch. Substitute brown sugar with white if needed, but the molasses in brown sugar adds that caramelized depth. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water). The vanilla glaze can be skipped, but if you make it, powdered sugar + milk or cream is classic. If your bananas aren't ripe enough, bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes to soften before mashing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness. These keep well, so double the batch—they disappear fast. The coffee flavor actually improves over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Mash Needed: I swear by this trick—just toss those ripe bananas straight into the food processor with the dry ingredients. No sticky fingers, no extra bowl, and the texture comes out perfectly moist every time. (Yes, even when I forget to buy applesauce.)
- Caramel-Kissed Magic: That combo of brown sugar and butter? It’s what turns this into something special—chewy edges, a faint molasses depth, and just enough sweetness to make you forget it’s "healthy-ish." Honestly, it’s the kind of blondie that disappears in 24 hours.
- Snack Attack Ready: Between us, these are my go-to for lunchboxes, gym bags, or when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. Cut into squares, wrap them up, and they stay fresh for days—no weird aftertaste, either.
- Pantry Staple Power: Five ingredients, all things I already have. No weird substitutions, no last-minute grocery runs. And if you bake a whole batch? You’ll have backup for when life gets busy—or when you just want to bake something again the next day. (Spoiler: You will.)
Step-by-step instructions for 7Brew banana bread blondie
Here's how to create a perfectly layered blondie with banana bread richness and coffee-infused blondie sweetness.
Prepare the Banana Bread Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan generously with butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups ripe bananas (mashed until completely smooth with no lumps) with the 1 cup unsalted butter (softened but not melted) and both sugars: 1.5 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar.
Mix these wet ingredients together until fully incorporated, then add the 2 whole large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon 7Brew coffee extract. Stir in the 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until just combined. This batter should be thick but pourable—don't overmix or you'll develop gluten.
Create the Blondie Layer
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 1.5 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 whole large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Gradually fold in the 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until smooth.
This blondie batter will be slightly thinner than the banana bread layer. It's important to keep these batters separate until the final assembly to maintain the distinct flavors and textures.
Assemble the Dual-Layered Blondie
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Then carefully spoon the blondie batter over the banana bread layer, spreading it evenly to cover completely. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure even contact between the layers.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should look set but still slightly moist—this ensures a tender crumb rather than a dry texture. If the top browns too quickly, tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cool and Finish
Remove the blondie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, dust the top generously with 0.5 cup powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finish. For extra indulgence, drizzle with the 0.5 cup vanilla glaze while still slightly warm for a glossy, professional touch.
Slice into 12 equal pieces and serve at room temperature. The contrast between the moist banana bread layer and the rich blondie layer creates a perfect balance of flavors with each bite. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Pro Tips For Making 7brew Banana Bread Blondie
- Mash Bananas Thoroughly: I learned this the hard way—lumpy banana puree means uneven texture. Use a fork first, then blend with a hand mixer for 30 seconds until it’s smooth as pudding. No one wants a chewy surprise in their blondie.
- Weigh Butter Cold: Skip the soft butter shortcut—this isn’t cookie dough. Use cold, cubed butter for the 7brew coffee blend (if included) to create those perfect pockets of flavor. Cut it into ½-inch cubes and let them sit in the dry ingredients for 10 seconds before mixing.
- Check Doneness Early: Blondies look done before they are. Pull the pan out when the edges are golden but the center still jiggles like Jell-O. Tent with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes—this guarantees a moist crumb without a gummy middle.
- Swap Brown Sugar for Turbinado: Too much brown sugar makes blondies dense. Replace half the packed brown sugar with turbinado (same weight) for a lighter texture and subtle caramel crunch. Sprinkle it on top before baking for extra drama.
Wine and beer pairings for this 7brew banana bread blondie
Coffee-Inspired Reds
A bold Italian Chianti pairs beautifully with the coffee notes in this dessert. Its acidity cuts through the richness while complementing the caramelized sugars. I recommend a 2019 Chianti Classico—look for brands like Castello di Volpaia or Antinori for that perfect balance of fruit and earthiness.
Serve slightly chilled to enhance the coffee flavors. 🍷
Creamy Dessert Whites
For a lighter option, try a Vin Santo from Tuscany. This sweet dessert wine has honeyed notes that harmonize with the vanilla and coffee extract. Carpineto or Biondi-Santi are excellent choices.
Serve at room temperature with a small spoon for dipping slices into the wine. The contrast of warm dessert and cool wine is magical.
Craft Beer Pairings
A honey brown ale like Allagash Honey Brown brings out the caramel and coffee flavors beautifully. The malt sweetness mirrors the blondie's richness while the subtle coffee notes in the beer complement the dessert's signature twist.
For a darker option, try a milk stout like Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout—the creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the moist banana layer. 🍺
Coffee Liqueur Finishing
For an after-dinner touch, drizzle each slice with Kahlúa or Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. The coffee depth intensifies the dessert's signature flavor while adding a luxurious finish. I like to warm the liqueur slightly before drizzling—just 1-2 teaspoons per slice—to enhance its aroma.
Pair with a small espresso for a true coffee lover's experience. ☕
Spiced Wine Cocktail
Create a mulled wine cocktail by warming 1 cup red wine with 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, and 1 strip orange peel. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar and a splash of 7Brew coffee extract (same as in the recipe).
Serve warm alongside slices—this combo is perfect for holiday gatherings. The spices echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the dessert while the coffee ties everything together. ✨
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why does this recipe use coffee extract instead of regular coffee?
The 7Brew coffee extract adds depth without bitterness or moisture issues that brewed coffee would cause. It enhances the caramel notes from the brown sugar and balances the sweetness beautifully. Plus, it keeps the texture perfectly moist—no soggy layers here!
Can I make this recipe without a coffee extract?
Yes! Replace the 1 tbsp 7Brew extract with ½ tsp instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tsp hot water. For a stronger coffee flavor, use 1 tsp espresso powder. Just remember, coffee extract is more concentrated and easier to control.
How do I prevent the blondie layer from burning before the banana bread layer is cooked?
Tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if the top browns too quickly. The blondie layer needs 45-50 minutes total at 350°F—check for doneness with a toothpick in the center, not just the color. A slightly underbaked center ensures that perfect tender crumb.
Can I substitute the vanilla glaze with something else?
Try a chocolate ganache (melt ½ cup chocolate + ¼ cup cream), a caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of crushed amaretti cookies for texture. For a lighter touch, just dust with extra powdered sugar—it’s already delicious without extra toppings!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm at 300°F for 5-10 minutes—the coffee flavor actually deepens over time!
