Prepare to embark on a journey of decadent delight with our Congo Bars recipe! These chewy, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats are a beloved classic in the world of desserts. Bursting with rich buttery flavor and studded with melty chocolate chunks, each bite is a heavenly indulgence that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, Congo Bars are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the joy of baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars of your desired size.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Congo Bars as a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, bake sale, or afternoon snack. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness and melty chocolate in every bite!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, stir in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate chunks.
- Butterscotch Chips: For a twist on the classic recipe, swap out some of the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Congo Bars, you’ll need to make some adjustments to the ingredients. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content. With these modifications, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly treat without sacrificing flavor.
Low Carb Version:
For a low-carb version of Congo Bars, follow the same substitutions as the keto version, but be mindful of the portion sizes of the sweeteners and flours used. You can also reduce the amount of chocolate chips or opt for sugar-free chocolate chips to further reduce the carb content. Enjoy these low-carb bars as a guilt-free indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chunks? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate in this recipe. Dark chocolate adds a deeper, more intense flavor to the bars.
Q: Can I freeze Congo Bars for later? A: Yes, Congo Bars freeze well. Once cooled and sliced, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Q: Can I use a different size baking pan? A: While a 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe, you can use a different size pan if needed. Just be aware that the baking time may vary depending on the size and depth of the pan.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the batter? A: Absolutely! Get creative with your mix-ins and add your favorite ingredients such as shredded coconut, dried fruit, or even candy pieces for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
In conclusion, Congo Bars are a delightful treat that never fails to please. With their buttery richness and decadent chocolate chunks, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving them as a dessert at your next gathering, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, why wait? Whip up a batch today and savor the sweet bliss of Congo Bars!
