Decadent Chocolate Chunk Congo Bars
Indulge in these irresistibly moist and chewy Decadent Chocolate Chunk Congo Bars that are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a late-night treat. Inspired by Rachael Ray, this recipe combines rich brown sugar with a generous amount of chocolate chips to create a luscious dessert that's hard to resist. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or enjoyed plain, these bar cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings while offering a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. Bake a batch today and treat your family and friends to an unforgettable dessert experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
butter
2/3 cup (softened)
brown sugar
2 1/4 cups (n/a)
eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (n/a)
chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups (semi-sweet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until well combined.
5
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
6
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
7
Fold in the chocolate chips gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, cover the top of the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
10
Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember, these bars will continue to set as they cool.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 32 squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Chunk Congo Bars?
They are irresistibly moist and chewy bar cookies that combine rich brown sugar with a generous amount of chocolate chips, inspired by Rachael Ray.
Who is the inspiration for this specific Congo Bar recipe?
This recipe is inspired by celebrity chef Rachael Ray.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be cut into 32 squares.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish is the correct size for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Prepare the dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Which dry ingredients should be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
What state should the butter be in for creaming?
The butter should be softened before creaming it with the sugar.
How do I mix the butter and brown sugar?
Cream them together using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until well combined.
What temperature should the eggs be?
The eggs should be at room temperature.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Stir in the vanilla extract after the eggs have been fully incorporated.
How should I add the sifted flour mixture?
Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.
Is there a warning about mixing the batter?
Yes, be careful not to over-mix the batter after adding the flour.
How much chocolate chips does this recipe use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of chocolate chips.
What type of chocolate chips are recommended?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for this recipe.
What is the best way to incorporate the chocolate chips?
Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
How do I ensure the batter is even in the pan?
Spread the batter evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
How long is the initial baking period?
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for an initial 30 minutes.
Why is aluminum foil used during baking?
The foil is used to cover the dish after 30 minutes to prevent the top from over-browning.
How much longer should the bars bake after covering with foil?
Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I check if the Congo Bars are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Do the bars continue to set after leaving the oven?
Yes, these bars will continue to set as they cool.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires 8 ingredients.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them.
Can I add a topping to these bars?
Yes, you can top them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or enjoy them plain.
What texture can I expect from these bars?
They offer a delightful texture that is moist, chewy, and melts in your mouth.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Are these bars suitable for social events?
Yes, they are described as perfect for sharing at gatherings or as an unforgettable dessert experience.
What is the main sweetener in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of brown sugar for a rich flavor.