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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the baking temperature is ready for the bars.
- 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.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar and mix until well incorporated.
- Add Bananas and Vanilla: Add the ripe bananas and vanilla extract. Continue blending until everything is evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped nuts (if using) to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
- 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.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 20 servings.
- Serve: Serve bars as they are, or enhance by pairing with ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce on top.
- 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