Congo Bars represent the perfect marriage of three distinctive chocolates nestled in a brown sugar-rich blondie base. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that satisfies even the most demanding chocolate cravings. The bars feature a perfect contrast between their crispy top and chewy center, while the blend of dark, milk, and white chocolate creates an intricate flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. These bars aren’t just another dessert – they’re an experience that every chocolate lover deserves to enjoy.
Congo Bars: A Chocolate Lover’s Paradise
Congo Bars are the sophisticated cousin of the classic chocolate chip cookie bar, elevated to new heights of indulgence. These buttery, chewy bars combine the best elements of blondies and chocolate chip cookies, creating something truly extraordinary. What sets them apart is their perfectly balanced texture – a crispy top that gives way to a rich, tender center studded with three types of chocolate that create an intense, satisfying chocolate experience in every bite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
The magic of Congo Bars lies in their brown sugar base, which provides deep caramel notes that perfectly complement the variety of chocolates. The combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate creates a complex flavor profile that keeps your taste buds engaged, while the addition of vanilla and a touch of sea salt enhances all these flavors. The bars develop a beautiful crackly top during baking, similar to brownies, but maintain their distinctively chewy interior.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. Unlike cookies that require careful timing and multiple batches, these bars bake in one pan and are nearly impossible to mess up. They’re perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a impressive dessert that travels well. The recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings, and the bars actually improve in flavor over the first 24 hours as the flavors meld together.
Triple Chocolate Bliss
Moreover, these bars have a way of creating instant fans. Their rich, buttery aroma filling the house as they bake creates anticipation that’s fully satisfied with the first bite. They’re sophisticated enough for adult palates yet accessible enough for children to love, making them a universal crowd-pleaser.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: 5 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks, wrapped well
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe container
- Best served: Slightly warm or at room temperature
- Can be reheated briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds
Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife for cutting
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2¼ cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in all three types of chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely in pan on wire rack.
- Using parchment paper overhang, lift bars from pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- Don’t overbake – bars should be slightly underdone when removed from oven
- Cool completely before cutting for clean edges
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation
- For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars
- Can substitute any combination of chocolate chips based on preference
- Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting
- For thicker bars, use a 9×9 inch pan and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes
- Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients
- Can add 1 cup chopped nuts if desired
- For perfect squares, trim edges before cutting