Congo Bars: Decadent, Gooey Dessert Bars Packed with Chocolate and Pecans

These Congo Bars are a delicious dessert bar loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, all held together by a chewy, brown sugar base. They are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just as a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of soft, buttery dough, melty chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of pecans creates an irresistible dessert experience that will leave you craving more.

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The key to perfect Congo Bars is not over-baking them, so they maintain their gooey texture inside while the top turns golden brown. With a rich, buttery flavor and a chewy center, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

The Perfect Combination of Sweetness and Texture

The foundation of these bars is a brown sugar-based dough, which gives the Congo Bars their distinct sweetness and soft texture. Adding milk chocolate chips enhances the indulgence with creamy chocolate in every bite. The chopped pecans provide a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the chewy base, making these bars a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips for Gooey Congo Bars

• When combining the butter and brown sugar, ensure that the butter is softened but not melted. This will help create the ideal consistency in the dough.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition. This ensures the dough remains smooth and incorporates the eggs evenly.
• Keep an eye on the bars during baking to prevent overcooking. The top should be golden brown, but the inside should stay soft and gooey for the perfect chewy texture.
• If you want to customize these bars, try substituting white chocolate chips or adding dried fruit like cranberries for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Congo Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer a warm, gooey texture, simply microwave them for a few seconds before serving. These bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Congo Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar using a mixer until well-blended and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, mixing on low speed between each addition to fully incorporate the eggs.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
6. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
7. Fold in the milk chocolate chips and chopped pecans with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly into the dish.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Avoid over-baking to maintain the gooey center.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the Congo Bars cool slightly before cutting them into squares.

These Congo Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as a daily treat, these bars will satisfy your sweet cravings in the best way possible!