Zebra Bars Recipe
Overview
Zebra Bars are a delightful treat that combine the richness of chocolate with a tender, buttery cookie base, finished with crunchy walnuts. This recipe, adapted from Bar Cookies A to Z by Marie Simmons, promises a decadent experience perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
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Melt Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
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Divide Batter: Divide the batter in half, transferring one portion to another bowl.
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Add Melted Chocolate: Stir the melted chocolate into one portion of the batter until fully blended.
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Assemble Bars: Spread the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the plain batter over the chocolate layer, then carefully spread it into an even layer.
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Top with Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts over the top of the batter in the pan.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven on the center rack and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the top is set.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 221.2
- Total Fat: 13.7g
- Saturated Fat: 7.1g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Sodium: 27mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 14.7g
- Protein: 2.7g
Tips for Success
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
- Use good quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in both the batter and the topping.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even slices.
Serving Suggestions
These Zebra Bars are perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a satisfying snack any time of day.
Conclusion
With their attractive appearance and delicious flavor, Zebra Bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making these bars and sharing them with family and friends!
