Congo Squares

Dive into the sweet, buttery nostalgia of Congo Squares, a classic dessert bar brimming with irresistible flavor and texture. These chewy, golden squares combine rich brown sugar, melty semisweet chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this easy recipe comes together in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze. The batter is baked until lightly golden, creating a crackly top and soft, fudgy interior that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a family treat, these dessert bars deliver indulgence in every bite. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them on their own as a delightful snack—either way, Congo Squares are bound to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 2.25 cups Brown sugar, packed
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 cups Semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup Chopped nuts (optional, e.g., pecans or walnuts)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together. Gradually add the slightly cooled butter and brown sugar mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture).

Step 9

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Step 10

Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1446.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5863.5

Total Fat 233.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 682mg	0%
Sodium 2651.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 911.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.2g	0%
Total Sugars 633.7g
Protein 83.8g	0%

Vitamin D 120IU	0%
Calcium 830.9mg	0%
Iron 34.9mg	0%
Potassium 2848.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 59.9%