Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful twist on a classic treat! These Salted Chocolate Chunk Congo Bars are the perfect combination of chewy and gooey, with rich chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of sea salt that takes them over the top. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to impress. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be savoring these decadent delights in no time. Get ready to dive into a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 teaspoon sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks gently using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top and sprinkle sea salt evenly across the surface.
- 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 with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take approximately 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Serve at room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so be gentle!
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate chunks. They will melt beautifully and enhance the overall taste of your Congo bars.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. They should be golden brown around the edges and just set in the center.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least an hour. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting them into squares much easier.
- Storage: Keep your Congo bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so consider making a double batch for later enjoyment!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
