Name: Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas; 1 1/4 cups brown sugar (packed); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 10 ounces dark chocolate chunks; 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped, if desired)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 44 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting flavors of banana, chocolate, and nuts all combined into one irresistible treat, then you’re going to adore this Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe. Packed with ripe bananas, generous chunks of dark chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and a satisfying nutty crunch, these bars are soft, gooey, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re baking for an upcoming gathering or craving something special for yourself, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples into a decadent bar that tastes like a homemade hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden brown rectangular chocolate chip cookie bar fills a white rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper. The cookie bar surface is dotted with semi-melted dark chocolate chips scattered evenly, creating small shiny pools. The cookie texture looks soft but slightly firm with a warm, inviting color. The edges of the bar are a little darker, showing a firmer crispness. The white marbled background subtly contrasts with the warm cookie color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may be straightforward, but they play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture in your Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe. Each item was thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the rich flavors and delightful chewiness.

Brown sugar (1 1/4 cups, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the bars wonderfully moist.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides the right amount of sweetness and helps with structure.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives richness and a tender crumb to the bars.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a bit of fluffiness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
Ripe bananas (2): Bring natural sweetness and moisture, plus that classic fruity flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the base structure keeping the bars soft but holdable.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them tender.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
Dark chocolate chunks (10 ounces): Create melty pockets of rich chocolate throughout.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¼ cup): For sprinkling on top to add an extra touch of chocolate delight.
Walnuts or pecans (⅓ cup, chopped, optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.

How to Make Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This process creates a creamy, fluffy base that will give your bars the perfect texture and sweetness.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate. Then add your ripe bananas and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is smooth and beautifully fragrant. The bananas should be very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars, so keep it gentle.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts

Time to make these bars truly chunky! Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This ensures every bite has that perfect blend of gooey chocolate and crunchy nuts.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the top with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a bit of extra chocolatey sparkle. Bake in the middle rack for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Allow the bars to cool slightly before slicing into generous squares. These bars are best enjoyed warm with melty chocolate but delicious even at room temperature.

How to Serve Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe

A single slice of a thick, golden-brown chocolate chip cake with a slightly rough texture is placed on a plain white plate. The cake has visible dark chocolate chunks scattered throughout its dense, moist layer. A small piece of cake is lifted from the slice by a silver fork resting on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a green cloth with a white circular pattern, all set against a white marbled surface. In the background, two yellow bananas are partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Chunky Monkey Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will turn these already irresistible bars into a dreamy dessert experience.

Side Dishes

While these bars can stand proudly on their own, serving them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon treat the whole family will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special events, consider stacking the Chunky Monkey Bars in layers separated by parchment paper on a decorative tray. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chunky Monkey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they remain soft and chewy without drying out, ready to satisfy your snack cravings anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving to enjoy their full lusciousness.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or heat in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the gooey texture and tempers the chocolate perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and moisture of your Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe.

What if I don’t have nuts or want to skip them?

No problem at all. The bars will still be delicious without nuts. You can also substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will help maintain the texture and taste.

Will the bars hold together well?

Definitely. With the right balance of flour and banana, plus the creamed butter and sugar, these bars create a moist but sturdy texture that slices cleanly.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can, though dark chocolate provides a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the bananas and sugars. Milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter and creamier, so choose according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking and sharing these Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe with friends and family. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these bars are a wonderful way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat. Don’t hesitate to bake a batch today—you’ll discover your new favorite snack or dessert in no time!