If you’ve ever wished your brownies could pack a punch of flavor, texture, and fun, you’re in for a treat with the Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe. This luscious dessert combines the comforting richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas and the satisfying crunch of generous chocolate chips, making each bite an adventure. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these brownies bring a playful twist to a beloved classic that you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe is delightfully straightforward because it relies on simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating moist, flavorful brownies that are bursting with chunks of chocolate and a subtle banana sweetness.
- 2 cups flour: The base that holds your brownies together with just the right amount of structure.
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel undertone that deepens the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the classic brownie texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings decadent richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding tenderness to every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and elevates sweetness beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Offers a warm aromatic note that complements the chocolate and banana perfectly.
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas: The star ingredient providing natural moisture and a gentle fruity sweetness.
- 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips: For the chunky goodness that gives the recipe its name—melty, rich, and irresistibly indulgent.
How to Make Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Before mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your brownies come out without sticking. Having all ingredients measured out and ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the light brown sugar and sugar until the mixture is soft and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a rich, tender texture in your brownies—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Mashed Bananas
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. The bananas add moisture and a natural sweetness that make these brownies uniquely delicious and extra soft.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, folding it in until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so gentle folding is key.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips generously. The Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe shines with these pockets of melty chocolate scattered throughout, giving you delightful bursts of flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—but not wet batter. Allow the brownies to cool completely for the best texture.
How to Serve Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you want to highlight the banana flavor further, fresh banana slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce work wonderfully atop these brownies.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy glass of milk for an indulgent dessert combo. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, chunky texture of the brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut them into squares and serve on a rustic wooden board alongside mixed nuts and fresh berries for a sophisticated party platter. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming gifts or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay moist and flavorful for up to four days—perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). The chocolate chips will soften back to their gooey goodness, bringing the Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe back to life.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
Is it possible to substitute the butter with oil?
While you can swap butter for oil, using butter gives you that classic brownie richness and texture that defines the Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe. If you opt for oil, expect a slightly different crumb and flavor.
Can I add nuts to this brownie recipe?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a fantastic idea to add extra crunch and complement the chunky chocolate chips in the brownies.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips on hand?
You can use chopped chocolate bars instead. Just chop your favorite dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate into chunks and fold them into the batter.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick near the center. It should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies will be fudgy and not overbaked.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary brownies. The blend of creamy bananas, oodles of chocolate chips, and that perfect chewy texture will have you hooked from the very first bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into making this delicious treat—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Chunky Monkey Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chunky Monkey Brownies are a delicious twist on traditional brownies, combining rich chocolate chips, ripe bananas, and a perfect balance of brown and white sugars to create a moist, flavorful treat. These brownies offer a unique texture with chunks of chocolate throughout and a subtle banana sweetness that elevates every bite, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
Sugars and Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Bananas: Fold in the mashed bananas gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The bananas add moisture and a natural sweetness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top if desired.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle any reserved chocolate chips over the top for an extra chocolatey crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 12 squares. This allows the brownies to set and makes them easier to slice.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies soft and moist.
- For intensified chocolate flavor, use a mix of semisweet and milk chocolate chips.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
