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Chunky Monkey Bars Recipe


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4.1 from 44 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings

Description

Chunky Monkey Bars are a deliciously moist and indulgent dessert bar featuring ripe bananas, rich dark chocolate chunks, and crunchy walnuts. Perfectly balanced with a soft, tender crumb and a delightful chocolatey crunch, these bars make a great treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Add-ins

  • 10 ounces dark chocolate chunks
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped, if desired)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the baking temperature is ready for the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to add the softened butter along with the brown and granulated sugars. Cream together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar and mix until well incorporated.
  4. Add Bananas and Vanilla: Add the ripe bananas and vanilla extract. Continue blending until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
  7. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped nuts (if using) to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
  8. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  9. Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  10. Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
  11. Bake: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  12. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 20 servings.
  13. Serve: Serve bars as they are, or enhance by pairing with ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce on top.
  14. Enjoy: Relish every delicious, chocolaty bite of your Chunky Monkey Bars!

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans as preferred.
  • For easier removal, use parchment paper in the pan.
  • Do not overbake to keep bars moist and tender.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American