Are you looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe that will impress your friends and family? Look no further! These Congo squares are unbelievably chewy, rich, and intensely chocolatey – a perfect combination of textures and flavors. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Get ready to dive into this easy recipe for homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your Congo squares won’t stick and makes for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling strong! The fluffier the mixture, the lighter and airier your Congo squares will be.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough Congo squares.
If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked Congo squares will be chewier.
Let the Congo squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Congo Squares:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough Congo squares. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is key! Allow the Congo squares to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans, or even a mix.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle a simple chocolate glaze over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 14g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Sugar: Approximately 18g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This simple recipe for Congo squares is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a perfect example of how delicious dishes can be made quickly and easily using homemade cooking techniques. Enjoy!