Best Congo Bars

A pile of three bars with the top one with a bite taken out of it all on a black plate - square

Congo bars are thick, chewy blondies packed with chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection. With their crispy edges and soft centers, these one-bowl bars come together quickly and deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Chocolate

Keyword congo bars

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings Bars

Calories 352kcal

Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
10 ounces chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 pan.
In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until smooth.
1 cup butter, 3/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar
Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until mixed.
2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer and mix until combined.
2 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt
Fold in and stir in the chocolate chips.
10 ounces chocolate chips
Put dough in pan and press down with your hands. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes.
Test with a cake tester - they are done if the tester or toothpicks come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool fully before cutting them into squares.
Eat and enjoy.

Notes

Depending on your oven, the congo bars may take longer to cook! But 40 minutes is perfect for my oven.

Helpful tips

For easier mixing and a smoother batter, set out butter and eggs 30 minutes before baking.
Use a 9x9-inch pan for thick, bakery-style bars or a 9x13-inch pan for thinner bars.
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level with a knife to prevent dense, heavy bars.
Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips work best. Milk chocolate chips and chunks are also great, but skip white chocolate as the flavor doesn't pair as well.
Stir wet and dry ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender, chewy texture. Do not overmix.
High-quality chocolate and pure vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit can add extra texture and flavor.
Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking leads to dry bars.
Let bars cool fully in the pan so they set properly and slice cleanly.
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition