Decadent Chocolate Nut Bars Recipe ๐ซ๐ฐ
Prepare to indulge in these delectable chocolate nut bars that combine the richness of brownies with the delightful chewiness of chocolate chip cookies. This recipe is not only incredibly easy but also a swift treat to whip up, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in under an hour. Adapted from Betty Crocker’s Cookie Book, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household, just like they are in mine. Here’s how you make them:
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar โ The sweet base that gives these bars their rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup margarine โ Adds the necessary fat for a moist and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup milk โ For binding and adding moisture.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour โ The primary structure for the bars.
- 1 teaspoon salt โ Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder โ Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda โ Adds to the leavening process for a perfect texture.
- 2 large eggs โ Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips โ For that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts โ Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This temperature ensures the bars bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown finish.
-
Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. This step prevents the bars from sticking and ensures they come out easily.
-
Make the Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, blend the brown sugar, margarine, and milk. Stir the mixture constantly to combine well.
-
Boil the Mixture: Bring the sugar mixture just to a boil. Continue stirring to prevent burning. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about five minutes.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: While the sugar mixture is cooling, blend the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
-
Combine Eggs with Butter Mixture: Beat the eggs into the cooled butter mixture. If the butter mixture is too hot, you may need to temper it by adding a small amount of the egg mixture to it first to prevent curdling.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the egg and butter mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined. This creates the batter for your bars.
-
Add Chocolate and Nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Spread and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
-
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The bars are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into 2 x 1-inch pieces. This cooling step helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 dozen bars)
- Calories: 1013.8
- Fat: 56.9g
- Saturated Fat: 15.3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 1322.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 120.7g
- Fiber: 6.6g
- Sugar: 77.7g
- Protein: 16.1g
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate nut bars are perfect on their own or served with a glass of milk for a classic treat. They also make a fantastic addition to any dessert table or as a sweet snack during a get-together. Pack them in a tin or plastic container for a delicious homemade gift or a tasty treat for lunchboxes.
Enjoy making these scrumptious bars, and I hope they bring as much joy to your family as they do to mine! ๐ช๐