Chunky Monkey Brownies

These Chunky Monkey Brownies are rich, fudgy banana brownies loaded with chocolate chips and made with ripe bananas. If you've got overripe bananas sitting on the counter and don't feel like making my old-fashioned banana bread, this easy dessert is the perfect way to switch things up!

There is just something about the chocolate and banana combo that is so good. I started making these when I had a freezer full of overripe bananas and didn't want another loaf of banana bread, and they quickly became a family favorite.

These banana brownies are soft, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate chips in every bite, making them a fun twist on classic brownies. If you love easy, from-scratch brownies like these, you'll also enjoy my cast iron skillet brownies.

What Makes These Brownies So Good

• Made with ripe bananas, which adds natural sweetness and keeps the brownies soft
• Soft, fudgy texture with just the right amount of chew, like my fudgy Oreo brownies
• Chocolate chips in every bite for that classic chocolate and banana combo
• Simple ingredients and easy directions, so they turn out great every time
• A great banana brownie alternative to banana bread when you want something a little different

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Banana: Use a ripe banana with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. This makes a big difference in how these banana brownies turn out. PRO TIP: Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
• Chocolate chips: I like using a mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate for a more balanced flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
• Butter: Make sure it's softened so it mixes smoothly with the sugars and gives you that soft, fudgy texture.

Variations

• Swap half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips if you want that classic chunky monkey flavor combo
• Add up to ½ cup chopped walnuts for a little crunch
• Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a sweeter twist
• For a more classic banana brownie, you can leave out the chocolate chips entirely
• These can also be cut into bars for easy serving.

How to Make Chunky Monkey Brownies

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, eggs, both white sugar and brown sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 2. Add in the flour and mashed banana, mixing until just combined.

Step 3. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 5. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden brown.

Step 6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Baking Tips

• Don't overbake. Remove when the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft so they stay fudgy
• Use a ripe banana with lots of brown spots for the best flavor
• Spread the batter evenly using a rubber spatula since it will be thick, and let the brownies cool before cutting so they hold their shape
• At high altitude, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda so the brownies rise better

Storage

• Let brownies cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

Chunky Monkey Brownie Recipe FAQs

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