Congo Bars

User Reviews

4.0

6 reviews
Good
  • Prep Time

    1 hr 25 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    2 hrs

  • Servings

    24 Bars (9X13-inch pan)

  • Calories

    273 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Congo Bars

Balanced, flavorful, and enjoyable—this recipe has it all.

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Ingredients

Servings

Congo Layer:

  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 ounces ¾ stick butter melted and cooled
  • cups firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg white save the egg yolk for the brownie layer
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Brownie Layer:

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped
  • ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Ganache Drizzle:

  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
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Instructions

  1. Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9X13-inch pan with foil and lightly grease and flour (I like to use Baker’s Joy to make the greasing/flouring part easier).
  2. For the congo layer: in a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar, egg, egg white, and vanilla just until blended. Stir in the flour mixture just until the batter is smooth.
  3. Scoop the thick, sticky batter onto 8 or 9 different areas on the bottom of the prepared pan. With an offset spatula or rubber spatula, spread the batter to cover the pan as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the walnuts evenly on top and gently press them into the batter.
  4. Partially bake the layer until it is no longer shiny on top and is beginning to come away from the sides of the pan, about 12-15 minutes (it will continue baking with the brownie layer). Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool while you prepare the brownie layer.
  5. For the brownie layer: in a small or medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over very low heat, stirring with a silicone spatula until smooth. Or, combine in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt in a microwave oven at 50 percent power (medium) for 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until melted, 1 to 1½ minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir the sugar into the chocolate mixture until incorporated. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla and stir until well blended. Stir in the flour mixture just until the batter is smooth. Scoop the thick, sticky batter onto 8 or 9 different areas of the still-warm congo layer. With the offset spatula, spread the batter as evenly as possible.
  7. Bake the brownie until the top is no longer shiny; appears set; feels firm, rather than soft; and a round wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist chocolate crumbs attached, about 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely. The top layer will set up as it cools.
  8. To make the ganache drizzle: place the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream just to a boil over medium heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it stand for 30 seconds. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Set the mixture aside at room temperature just until it cools a bit and begins to thicken slightly.
  9. Pour the warm glaze into a small ziploc bag. Snip a small opening at one of the corners to allow a thin flow of glaze. Squeezing lightly, pipe thin lines of chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the cooled surface of the brownie. Set aside at room temperature until the glaze is set, 1 to 1½ hours.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 Bar Calories 273kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 52mg (17%) Sodium 149mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 21g (42%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24Bars (9X13-inch pan)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 273 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Bar
Calories 273kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 52mg 17%
Sodium 149mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 21g 42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.0

6 reviews
Good

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