chunky monkey bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chunky monkey bars recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite chunky monkey bars recipe. These delicious bars are a staple in our household, and I’m sure they will become a favorite in yours too. The recipe originated from my friend who brought them to a potluck dinner, and I was immediately hooked.

The combination of chunky peanut butter, oats, and chocolate is a match made in heaven. I love making these bars because they are easy to prepare, and the best part is that you can customize them to your taste by adding in your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun dessert to bring to a party, these chunky monkey bars are the perfect choice.

They’re also great for packing in lunches or as an after-school snack for the kids. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can make them with or without nuts, and even add in some dried fruit for extra flavor and nutrition. One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

Whether you need 12 bars or 24, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your needs. And the best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This means you can enjoy these delicious bars all year round, not just during special occasions. My family loves these chunky monkey bars because they’re chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside – perfect for satisfying their sweet tooth. And as an added bonus, they’re packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.

Not only do these bars taste amazing, but they’re also good for you! The combination of healthy fats from the peanut butter and oats provides sustained energy throughout the day, while the chocolate chips offer a boost of antioxidants and mood-boosting properties. With all that said, let’s get started with this easy-to-make recipe.

Chunky Monkey Bars

Chunky Monkey Bars

4.6 from 916 votes

These chunky monkey bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a gooey banana, chocolate chip, and walnut topping. They are a delightful treat that satisfies both cookie and candy cravings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
3In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4Stir in 1 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a soft dough forms.
5Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
6Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
7Remove from oven and set aside.
8In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
9Whisk until smooth.
10In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
11Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just until combined.
12Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
13Spread the banana mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
14Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
15Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, about 1 hour.
16Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang.
17Cut into 16 squares.
18Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

9×9 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 36g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For extra banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. You can substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred. To make these bars gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Chunky Monkey Bars Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun dessert to bring to a party, these chunky monkey bars are always a good idea!

Plus, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy them all year round.

If you’re looking for ways to store these delicious treats beyond freezing them in an airtight container on your kitchen counter or pantry shelf is perfect options.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chunky Monkey Bars

Q: What is the difference between chunky monkey bars and regular monkey bars?

Chunky monkey bars have a coarser texture than regular monkey bars due to the addition of oats and peanut butter.

Q: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter if you prefer it or if you have nut allergies.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate the bars after baking?

No, chunky monkey bars do not require refrigeration after baking.

Q: Can I make chunky monkey bars without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts from this recipe if you prefer or if someone in your household has a nut allergy.

Q: How long do chunky monkey bars take to bake?

Chunky monkey bars take approximately 20-25 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C).

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