Banana-Split Blondies

Name: Banana-Split Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 pieces.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1 small banana, mashed; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted; Vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, optional

These banana blondies combine all the beloved flavors of your favorite sundae with a warm, gooey bar. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup canola oil
1 small banana, mashed
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, cover pineapple with hot water; let stand 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry as possible.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, banana and vanilla. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into egg mixture until blended. Stir in pineapple, cherries and chocolate chunks.
Spread into a greased 12-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet. Top with pecans. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.