Chocolate and Ginger Squares: A Delicious and Flavorful Treat
If youโre looking for a rich, indulgent dessert with a touch of spice, these Chocolate and Ginger Squares are sure to satisfy your cravings. Combining the smoothness of dark chocolate with the warmth of fresh ginger and the sweetness of candied ginger, these squares make for the perfect treat for any occasion. Hereโs how to make them, step by step, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert!
Recipe Details:
- Category: Desserts
- Yield: 15 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 200g |
| Potato starch | 30g |
| Granulated sugar | 180g |
| Whole milk | 130g |
| Butter (unsalted) | 120g |
| Dark chocolate | 100g |
| Eggs | 150g |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Fresh ginger | 8g |
| Vegetable oil | As needed |
| Heavy cream | 130g |
| Dark chocolate (for ganache) | 130g |
| Butter (for ganache) | 15g |
| Candied ginger | 30g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base:
- Begin by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces. Place it in a small saucepan and melt it over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesnโt burn. Once melted, remove the chocolate from the heat and let it cool for about 5-6 minutes.
-
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Whisk them together until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture and softened butter to the eggs and sugar. Stir well to combine.
-
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the all-purpose flour, potato starch, and baking powder into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
-
Add Fresh Ginger:
- Peel the fresh ginger using a vegetable peeler. Grate the ginger finely and add it to the batter. Stir to evenly distribute the ginger flavor throughout the mixture.
-
Add the Milk:
- Pour in the remaining 100g of whole milk and mix it in until smooth.
-
Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Take a 30×20 cm rectangular baking dish and lightly grease it with a small amount of vegetable oil to help the parchment paper stick. Line the dish with parchment paper, ensuring itโs well adhered to the sides of the pan.
-
Bake the Base:
- Pour the prepared batter into the baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter, ensuring the top is level.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Ganache:
- While the base is baking, prepare the ganache. Finely chop the 130g of dark chocolate and set it aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to bubble at the edges. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the chopped chocolate.
- Stir vigorously until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature to thicken up.
-
Cut the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the baking pan, discarding the parchment paper. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, cut the cake into three horizontal strips. Then, slice each strip vertically into five pieces, creating 15 squares, each about 5 cm in size.
-
Glaze with Ganache:
- Spoon the ganache over the cut squares. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top of each square, making sure to cover the entire surface.
-
Decorate:
- Sprinkle the top of each square with small pieces of candied ginger for added flavor and decoration.
-
Chill:
- Place the squares in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set properly.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chocolate and Ginger Squares are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert for parties, gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich chocolate and spicy ginger make for a wonderful contrast of flavors, and the candied ginger adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 19g |
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the base and ganache a day in advance. Simply assemble the squares and chill them before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Substitutions: If you prefer, you can substitute the fresh ginger with ground ginger for a more subtle flavor. You can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter, less intense flavor.
Enjoy the combination of decadent chocolate and the refreshing zing of ginger in these delightful Chocolate and Ginger Squares! Perfect for every occasion, these squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
