Monkey Bars Recipe: A Kid-Friendly, Sweet and Chewy Treat
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
These Monkey Bars are a delightful and simple dessert that’s perfect for family baking time. Full of chocolate chips, peanuts, raisins, and a sweet, chewy base, they make a great snack or dessert for kids (and adults!). With the added bonus of being a fun recipe for little hands to help with, they are ideal for a rainy afternoon. Whether you’re preparing them for an after-school treat, a family gathering, or a potluck, these bars are sure to be a hit. And the best part? You can easily modify the size of the pieces, cutting them smaller to serve more people or to make them more suitable for toddlers.
Ingredients for Monkey Bars
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chocolate Chips | 2 cups |
| Peanuts | 2/3 cup |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 516.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 75.9 mg |
| Sodium | 243.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 59.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugars | 39.9 g |
| Protein | 7.9 g |
Instructions for Making Monkey Bars
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly and come out golden brown.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and regular sugar. Continue beating until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the Eggs and Liquids: Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat them into the mixture one at a time. Add in the water and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. These liquids help the batter become smooth and pliable.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and baking soda, stirring well between each addition to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This is key for a uniform texture throughout the bars.
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Add the Fun Ingredients: Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chocolate chips, peanuts, and raisins. These ingredients not only add sweetness and texture but also contribute to the bars’ chewy nature.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the prepared batter evenly across the dish, making sure it reaches all corners for an even bake.
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Bake the Monkey Bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut into 12 equal bars. These can be served as-is, or you can slice them smaller for little hands or for serving at large gatherings.
Tips for Success:
- Customizing Your Bars: You can easily adjust the mix-ins in these bars. Try adding coconut, dried cranberries, or even marshmallows to make the bars uniquely yours.
- Freezing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), these bars freeze beautifully. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Baking with Kids: This recipe is an excellent one for children to help with. They can measure, pour, and mix ingredients, making it a fun family activity.
These Monkey Bars are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen while treating the whole family to a delicious, chewy snack. Whether it’s a fun Saturday baking session or a quick weeknight treat, these bars deliver both in flavor and joy. Enjoy these sweet bars at your next family gathering, or pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat!
