Irresistible Chunky Monkey Blondies: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Bars

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these sensational **Chunky Monkey Blondies**! Imagine the perfect harmony of rich, fudgy blondie bars packed with the beloved “Chunky” elements: generous **chocolate chunks** and creamy **peanut butter cups**. Then, embrace the “Monkey” magic, brought to life by the comforting flavors of ripe **banana** and smooth **peanut butter**. This combination creates an unforgettable treat that’s more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. These Chunky Monkey Peanut Butter Cup Banana Blondies are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire, offering a chewy, moist texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet escape, these blondies hit all the right notes. They are remarkably easy to prepare, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal effort, you can transform simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that boasts complex flavors and a wonderfully satisfying texture. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these delicious bars disappear!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Chunky Monkey Blondies

The magnificent combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana is a timeless classic, and for good reason! This trio creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and incredibly indulgent. Our Chunky Monkey Blondies take this beloved combination to the next level, offering a dense, fudgy bar that’s brimming with texture and taste. Every bite delivers a burst of sweet banana, rich peanut butter, and decadent chocolate, making it an irresistible treat.

These peanut butter banana blondies are so utterly delicious, you might find it hard to stop at just one. I’ve often found myself wishing I could keep an entire pan to myself! In an act of self-preservation, I once brought a batch to work, hoping to minimize temptation. But even then, the allure was undeniable. Those delectable bars, though out of my immediate reach, continued to tempt me from afar. It was pure torture knowing they were there!

It’s simply impossible for me to let delicious treats sit idle when they’re anywhere within my vicinity. Despite my best efforts to share, I confess I still managed to sneak three of these scrumptious blondies before announcing their presence in my office cube. And just like that, in a flash, they were gone. Devoured by eager co-workers! While I was initially crushed to see them go, their enthusiastic reactions confirmed one thing: these Chunky Monkey Blondies were a huge hit. Knowing they tasted absolutely yummy to everyone makes it all worthwhile. I’m perfectly happy with that outcome!

These bars are truly a wonderful creation: a fudgy, chewy peanut butter bar infused with the natural sweetness of mashed bananas. The inclusion of rich **chocolate chunks** and delightful peanut butter cups elevates their richness and decadence, making them a personal all-time favorite. The collective combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana truly makes these bars shine!

The Unbeatable Trio: Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate

The allure of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate together is practically universal. This iconic flavor profile gained fame with “Chunky Monkey” ice cream, and it translates beautifully into these baked blondie bars. The sweetness of the ripe bananas provides a natural depth and moisture, balancing the salty, nutty richness of the peanut butter. Then, the chocolate steps in, offering a luxurious bitterness or a sweet indulgence, depending on your preference. When these three elements combine within a chewy blondie base, they create a treat that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a flavor profile that evokes nostalgia while delivering pure delight.

These Chunky Monkey Blondies are a real showstopper! They’re not just incredibly tasty; they’re also an easy recipe that doesn’t demand a lot of your time. Perfect for a quick snack, a satisfying dessert, or even a delightful breakfast treat (yes, breakfast!). For an extra layer of texture, don’t hesitate to experiment with some additions. Consider folding in some chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch, or perhaps some broken pretzel bits for a delightful sweet and salty contrast. You could also substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter to boost that textural appeal even further!

When it comes to the chocolate, personal preference plays a big role. I typically favor milk chocolate over dark chocolate for a sweeter, creamier touch in blondies. However, don’t limit yourself! Consider using white chocolate chips or even trying a white chocolate version of peanut butter cups for a different yet equally delicious twist. The possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to tailor these blondies to your exact taste preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Baking Bliss

Crafting the perfect Chunky Monkey Blondies starts with a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted fudgy texture and rich flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Provides richness and moisture, contributing to the blondies’ soft, chewy interior. Melting it ensures easy incorporation into the batter.
• Brown Sugar: This is key for the blondies’ characteristic chewiness and deep, caramel-like flavor. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar introduces moisture and a more complex sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and contributing to the structure and tenderness of the blondies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the banana and peanut butter beautifully.
• Ripe Bananas (mashed): The star of the “Monkey” part! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and easier to mash, providing natural moisture and intense banana flavor.
• Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky): The creamy texture and nutty flavor are essential. Use your preference – creamy for a smooth chew, or chunky for added texture.
• Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: These provide bursts of rich chocolate flavor throughout the blondies. Chunks offer a more substantial bite.
• 10-16 Small Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The ultimate “Chunky” addition, delivering an extra layer of peanut butter and chocolate decadence.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile, making the chocolate and peanut butter taste even better.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the blondies to rise slightly and achieve their soft, chewy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour or GF Flour: Forms the structural base of the blondies. Using gluten-free flour makes this recipe adaptable for those with dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Fudgy Chunky Monkey Blondies!

Follow these easy instructions to create a batch of incredibly delicious and fudgy Chunky Monkey Banana Bars:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring it hangs over the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the liner with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and achieving clean cuts.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients (Part 1): In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly until well blended and smooth. This forms the sweet, rich base of your blondies.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients (Part 2): Add the egg, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and mashed ripe bananas to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and no streaks of individual ingredients remain. Ensure your bananas are well mashed for an even texture.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour (or GF flour) to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough blondies. A few lumps of flour are acceptable.
5. Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chocolate chunks. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer to Pan: Transfer the prepared batter to your lined baking pan. Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly to all edges of the pan, creating a smooth top.
7. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Take your small Reese’s peanut butter cups and lightly press them into the top of the batter. You can arrange them in a grid pattern or randomly for a rustic look. This ensures they are embedded in the blondies as they bake.
8. Optional Extra Chocolate: If you desire even more chocolate goodness (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle some extra chocolate chunks or chips over the top of the blondies before baking. This creates a beautiful, melted chocolate crust on top.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly browned. The center should still look slightly soft but set.
10. Avoid Overbaking: This is the golden rule for fudgy blondies! Do not overbake. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly blondies instead of the desired moist and chewy texture. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly underbaked.
11. Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to slice and preventing them from falling apart.
12. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut them into 12 or 16 squares, depending on your preferred serving size, and serve!

Pro Tip for Blondie Perfection: Don’t Overbake!

The single most important tip for baking these blondies is to resist the urge to overbake them. The key to achieving that wonderfully fudgy and moist texture lies in taking them out of the oven when they are just set. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center may still appear slightly soft. Blondies continue to cook slightly as they cool in the hot pan, so removing them a little early ensures they don’t dry out. When in doubt, a slightly gooey center is preferable to a dry, cakey one. This will guarantee a delightfully chewy and rich blondie every time!

Storing Your Delicious Chunky Monkey Blondies

To keep your Chunky Monkey Blondies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chunky Monkey Blondies

What’s the difference between a blondie and a brownie?

While both are delicious bar cookies, brownies typically feature cocoa powder or melted chocolate as their primary flavor, giving them a rich, dark chocolate taste. Blondies, on the other hand, are essentially brownies without the chocolate. Their flavor comes from brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, often with additions like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit, resulting in a buttery, caramel-like taste.

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are actually ideal for this recipe. They are sweeter and much easier to mash, contributing maximum banana flavor and moisture to your blondies.

Can I freeze Chunky Monkey Blondies?

Yes, these blondies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.

What kind of chocolate works best?

For these blondies, semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks provide a good balance against the sweetness of the bananas and brown sugar. However, you can experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter result, or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. Don’t forget to consider white chocolate chips for a different twist!

Serve Them Any Time of Day!

The beauty of these Chunky Monkey Blondies is their versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion and any time of day!

• For Snacking: Grab a square for a satisfying pick-me-up between meals.
• For Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated treat.
• For Breakfast: Yes, you read that right! With wholesome bananas and peanut butter, they make a surprisingly delightful and indulgent start to your day, especially alongside a cup of coffee.

However you choose to enjoy them, these beloved Chunky Monkey Blondies are sure to impress. The delightful combination of banana, peanut butter, chocolate chunks, and peanut butter cups truly makes these bars a real show-stopping dessert! Loving the peanut butter, banana, chocolate combo as much as I do? Then you’re in for a treat!

More Delicious Banana & Peanut Butter Creations You’ll Love!

• Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread
• “Skinny” Rich Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Breakfast Shake {GF & Dairy Free}
• Supreme Chocolate & Peanut Butter Banana Loaf!
• Skinny Peanut Butter Banana and Chocolate Muffins {GF}
• 25 Delicious Ripe Banana Recipes

Chunky Monkey Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bars

By Kim Lange

Beloved flavors of banana, peanut butter, chocolate chunks, and peanut butter cups make these bars a real show-stopping dessert! Great for snacking, dessert, or breakfast!

Prep Time:
10 mins

Course:
Dessert

Servings:
12 Servings

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large ripe bananas (mashed)
• ⅓ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• ½ cup Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chunks)
• 10 -16 small Reese’s peanut butter cups
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or GF flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and light brown sugar and whisk to blend.
3. Add in the egg, vanilla, peanut butter, and banana and make sure all of the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed in.
4. Using a wooden spoon, add in the salt, baking soda, and flour and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips or chocolate chunks and mix in.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the edges of the pan.
7. Lightly press the peanut butter cups into the batter.
8. Sprinkle some extra chocolate chunks or chips to the top if you wish.
9. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly browned.
10. Do not overbake to ensure fudgy and moist blondies.
11. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting.
12. Cut into 12 or 16 squares and serve.

Notes

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Keyword:
banana, bars, blondies, chocolate, chunky monkey, peanut butter, peanut butter cups