Chunky Monkey Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas and the comforting taste of brown sugar. Perfect for any chocolate lover, these brownies are moist, chewy, and filled with chunks of chocolate. They’re an excellent way to use up ripe bananas and are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these delicious Chunky Monkey Brownies step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Gold Medal UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ cup banana, mashed with a fork (about one medium-large banana)
- 10 oz. Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate baking melts (or 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup Nestle’s chocolate chips for the top
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate baking melts (or semi-sweet chocolate chips) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of Nestle’s chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be set and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Serve
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate and banana in every bite!
Cooking Notes
- Bananas: Ensure the bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chocolate: For extra indulgence, you can add more chocolate chips or try using dark chocolate chips.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure the brownies remain soft and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe? A: Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Fold them in with the chocolate chips.
Q: How do I store these brownies? A: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Chunky Monkey Brownies, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Sugar: Replace the sugars with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Chocolate: Use sugar-free chocolate chips.
Chunky Monkey Brownies are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of chocolate and banana flavors. With their moist and chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and enjoy a batch of these delightful brownies that are perfect for any occasion!
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