Chewy Congo Bars
Another tasty family recipe comin’ at ya today. And if you like brownies, you’re sure to love this blondie version, aka, Congo Bars!
what are congo bars?
Congo bars are a type of bar cookie that is typically made with a buttery, brown sugar-rich dough mixed with chocolate chips, nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), and sometimes coconut flakes. The mixture is pressed into a baking pan and baked until golden brown. Congo bars have a dense and chewy texture, similar to blondies or brownies, and are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert.
why are they called congo bars?
This is not definitively known, however, one theory suggests that the name may have been inspired by the dense, chewy texture of the bars, which some liken to the dense vegetation of the Congo rainforest. Another theory proposes that the name may have been influenced by the use of ingredients like coconut flakes and nuts, which were historically associated with regions like Africa, including the Congo.
What is the difference between a blondie and a congo bar?
Blondies and Congo bars share similarities as dense, chewy bar cookies - and to be quite frank, I’ve always considered this recipe a “blondie” - it was just always called “Congo Bar” growing up! What I did learn though, is that blondies are often with chocolate chips or nuts and Congo bars may include coconut flakes or oats along with chocolate chips and nuts, resulting in a slightly varied texture.
Congo Bars Ingredients
Flour: Flour serves as the base ingredient, providing structure and body to the congo bars.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the congo bars, contributing to their chewy texture and rich flavor.
Baking powder: Baking powder helps the congo bars rise slightly during baking, resulting in a softer and lighter texture.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the congo bars by balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients and adding depth to the overall taste.
Butter: Butter adds moisture and richness to the congo bars, ensuring they remain soft and tender.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and providing structure to the congo bars.
Nuts: Nuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the congo bars, adding variety and depth to each bite.
Chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add sweetness and decadence to the congo bars, creating pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars for extra indulgence.
how to make Congo Bars
Preheat oven to 350-degrees
Mix and sift dry ingredients
Combine butter and sugar in a mixer
Add eggs, one by one until combined
Slowly pour in dry ingredients until combined
Shop my kitchen
Add in nuts and chocolate chips if desired
Pour in a 9×13 pan and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown
And there ya have it! Rich and chewy Congo Bars – a delicious treat after dinner… or really whenever you want (I ain’t judging!)
How to store congo bars
Congo bars should be stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag at room temperature. It's best to place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of bars to prevent them from sticking together. Stored this way, Congo bars can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Chewy Congo Bars
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 c. sifted flour
- 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2/3 c. butter
- 2 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 c. nuts optional
- 1 package chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees
- Mix and sift dry ingredients
- Combine oil and sugar in a mixer
- Add eggs, one by one until combined
- Slowly pour in dry ingredients until combined
- Add in nuts and chocolate chips if desired
- Pour in a 9×13 pan and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown
P.S. Enjoy this recipe? Then, be sure to pin it to Pinterest for next time!
similar recipes
