Name: Chunky Monkey Blondies: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free); 1 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably); 1 large Egg (can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan version); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract is preferred); 3 medium Ripe Bananas (mashed) (overripe bananas work best); 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky) (can swap with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips/Chunks (dark chocolate can replace semi-sweet); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (can be omitted if using salted butter); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour or GF Flour (consider a gluten-free blend if using GF flour); 1/2 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (lightly pressed into batter)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the aroma of ripe bananas and melted peanut butter fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for simpler, sweeter times. These Chunky Monkey Blondies are my go-to treat, combining creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chunks, and the natural sweetness of bananas into a fudgy snack that’s simply irresistible. Not only are they quick to whip up, but they also make for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Plus, with a few simple ingredient swaps, these bars can easily cater to gluten-free diets without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. So, ready to indulge in a delightful experience that will leave your taste buds dancing? Let’s dive into making these heavenly blondies!

8abd7634 58e5 4aa1 ace6

Why Are These Blondies Irresistible?

Decadent, combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these Chunky Monkey Blondies will become your new favorite treat. Quick and Easy, they come together in mere minutes, allowing you to enjoy homemade bliss without long prep times. Versatile, you can easily customize them with different nut butters or gluten-free flour options for any dietary need. Crowd-Pleasing, they are perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings, leaving everyone wanting more. Fudgy Texture, offering a chewy center with crisp edges that melt in your mouth. Savor every bite!

Chunky Monkey Blondies Ingredients

• Prepare to whip up these delicious bars with ease!

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
Large Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together; use a flax egg for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavor; pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best taste.
Ripe Bananas (mashed) – Contributes sweetness and moisture; overripe bananas work best for a stronger flavor.
Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky) – Provides flavor and richness; swap with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips/Chunks – Delivers the chocolate flavor and texture; dark chocolate can replace semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Salt – Enhances flavor balance; can be omitted if using salted butter.
Baking Soda – Helps the blondies rise slightly.
All-Purpose Flour or GF Flour – Creates structure; if using gluten-free flour, consider a blend designed for baking.

Optional Add-ins

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – An extra indulgence for additional chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

Embrace the joy of making these Chunky Monkey Blondies, a delightful blend that the whole family will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chunky Monkey Blondies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper or foil, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal. Lightly spray the lining with non-stick spray, setting the stage for your warm and gooey Chunky Monkey Blondies.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, melt your unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s completely liquid. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar until smooth and well combined, giving the mixture a luscious, glossy appearance. Then, stir in the egg, vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and mashed ripe bananas until everything is uniform and inviting.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to over-mix because the key to the perfect Chunky Monkey Blondies lies in their fudgy texture. You should see a thick, cohesive batter with no dry flour left behind.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, allowing them to be evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll want to ensure each bite of these blondies is packed with chocolatey goodness, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the peanut butter.

Step 5: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the dish on the counter to flatten the surface and remove any air bubbles. This step is crucial to ensure even baking and to help your Chunky Monkey Blondies rise beautifully.

Step 6: Add Extra Indulgence
If your heart desires, lightly press some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the top of the batter, spacing them evenly for an extra layer of chocolate and peanut butter delight. For even more chocolate flavor, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before they go into the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and the edges have set, but the center should still look slightly soft—this ensures a fudgy finish to your Chunky Monkey Blondies.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up, making them easier to cut. Once cooled, lift them out using the edges of the parchment and cut them into squares that are perfect for sharing, or for indulging all on your own!

8abd7634 58e5 4aa1 ace6 4cf04c1c1cc8bl i2n5ih

What to Serve with Chunky Monkey Blondies

Indulging in these fudgy, peanut butter-studded delights is just the beginning—let’s elevate your dessert experience!

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey blondies. The coolness of the ice cream melts into the rich treats, making every bite a heavenly mixture of flavors.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the blondies amplifies their chocolatey goodness. This added layer of decadence ensures a truly indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a burst of tartness, balancing the sweetness of the blondies. The juiciness of the berries creates a refreshing complement to the fudgy richness.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: For the ultimate peanut butter sensation, drizzle a mix of melted peanut butter and honey over the blondies. This enhances the peanut butter flavor while adding a touch of natural sweetness.
Coffee or Espresso: Pairing these treats with a cup of strong coffee or espresso highlights the dessert’s sweet, nutty notes. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully offsets the sweetness, making for a balanced end to your meal.
Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut whipped cream provides a light, airy texture that contrasts the dense blondies. Its tropical flavor pairs wonderfully with the bananas and peanut butter, making for a delightful flavor combination.
Nutty Trail Mix: Serving a small bowl of nutty trail mix alongside adds a crunchy textural contrast. The mix of nuts and dried fruit rounds out the sweetness, creating a well-balanced snack.
Milk or Plant-Based Milk: A glass of cold milk or an almond milk alternative makes for a classic pairing. It adds an element of comfort while making each bite of blondie even more enjoyable.

Expert Tips for Chunky Monkey Blondies

Check for Doneness: Remove the blondies when they look slightly underbaked in the center; they will continue to cook while cooling, ensuring a fudgy texture.
Use Overripe Bananas: The sweetness and moisture from overripe bananas will enhance the flavor of your Chunky Monkey Blondies, making them irresistible.
Don’t Over-Mix: Stir the dry ingredients until just combined to maintain that chewy texture; over-mixing can lead to a denser bar.
Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting; this ensures cleaner edges and makes them easier to handle.
Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different chocolate types for a personal twist; your Chunky Monkey Blondies will shine with unique flavors!
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container to keep the blondies fresh for up to 4 days; you can refrigerate them for a week for longer enjoyment.

Make Ahead Options

These Chunky Monkey Blondies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness with minimal effort during busy weekdays. You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. To maintain their fudgy texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry ingredients. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled batter into your prepared baking dish, bake until golden, and enjoy these delightful blondies fresh from the oven—just as delicious as if baked on the same day!

Chunky Monkey Blondies: Customize Your Treats

Get ready to explore creative ways to make these deliciously fudgy bars even more unique and tailored to your taste!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a creamy, plant-based option that still gives that rich taste.
Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, allowing everyone to enjoy without nut allergies. It lends a similar texture and flavor.
Vegan: Swap the large egg for a flax egg made of ground flaxseed and water, maintaining the blondie’s moisture while keeping it plant-based.
Chocolate Variation: Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for an intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Add Some Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add an enjoyable crunchy texture, heightening both flavor and mouthfeel.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, cozy aroma that complements the bananas perfectly.
Healthy Boost: Consider incorporating a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the batter to give these delightful treats an added nutritional kick.
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top of the baked blondies for an indulgent finishing touch, enhancing their sweetness and making them truly dessert-worthy.

Feel free to check out these easy gluten-free baking tips to ensure everyone can join in on the joy of these Chunky Monkey Blondies! And if you’re craving more flavor ideas, consider experimenting with a delicious banana bread recipe that shares many ingredients for double the fun!

Storage Tips for Chunky Monkey Blondies

Room Temperature: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to retain their delectable fudgy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to a week. This will keep them fresh but may slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating: To enjoy warm blondies again, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that gooey texture that makes Chunky Monkey Blondies so irresistible!

8abd7634 58e5 4aa1 ace6

Chunky Monkey Blondies Recipe FAQs

What kind of bananas should I use for Chunky Monkey Blondies?
I recommend using overripe bananas, as they add a natural sweetness and moisture that really enhances the flavor of your blondies. Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots—these are perfect for mashing!

How should I store my Chunky Monkey Blondies?
You can keep your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their fudgy texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, refrigeration might change the texture slightly!

Can I freeze Chunky Monkey Blondies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat straight from the freezer.

What should I do if my blondies turn out too dry?
If the blondies are dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always check them a few minutes early, and they should look slightly underbaked in the center when pulled from the oven. If you find they were dry, next time, try measuring flour by weight instead of volume to avoid excess.

Are Chunky Monkey Blondies suitable for my gluten-free diet?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking in place of all-purpose flour. Additionally, make sure to check that any mix-ins, like chocolate chips or peanut butter, do not contain gluten.

Can I add or substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Very! You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter to cater to nut allergies. Feel free to add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or mix in mini chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness!