Craving something rich, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible that won't drain your wallet? Get ready to discover the ultimate budget-friendly dessert that will make your taste buds dance and your wallet sing! These Double Chocolate Bars are the perfect solution for chocolate lovers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver pure chocolatey bliss in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping if desired.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for extra decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your bars tender and soft.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial - a few moist crumbs mean perfectly baked bars, while a completely clean toothpick suggests overbaking.
- Chocolate Chip Hack: Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
- Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to cut bars immediately. Letting them cool ensures clean, neat cuts and better texture.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Budget-Friendly Variation: Use store-brand chocolate chips and cocoa powder to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
