Are you craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these irresistible Skor squares! This simple recipe delivers a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, rich chocolate, and the delightful crunch of Skor bars. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade dessert, these squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate in easy recipes and healthy-ish indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12-ounce) package Skor toffee bars, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal of your delicious Skor squares later. Don't skip this crucial step for best results!
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! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
Step 2: Add the Skor and Bake
Stir in the chopped Skor bars until evenly distributed throughout the batter. 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 clean. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
Step 3: Make it Decadent with Chocolate
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the chocolate topping. This is essential to prevent the chocolate from melting and becoming a mess.
Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled shortbread.
Let the chocolate set completely before cutting into squares. This may take a few hours in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Skor Squares:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure a smooth and creamy crust.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough squares. Mix until just combined.
- Evenly Distributed Skor: Make sure the Skor pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter for optimal crunch in every bite.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before adding the chocolate is crucial for a smooth, professional-looking finish.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Dream: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
- Seasonal Twist: Incorporate seasonal ingredients like cranberries during the holidays for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is around 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein.
These delicious Skor squares are the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking adventures. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy recipe will help you create a delightful treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!