Congo Squares (Old-Fashioned Recipe)

These Congo squares are as chewy, ooey-gooey, and addictive as chocolate chip cookies!

The only differences are 1.) they’re in bar form and 2.) they’re 10 times easier and quicker to make.

Don’t get me wrong, I love some good-old chocolate chip cookies.

The only drawback is that you have to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before you can bake them.

With Congo squares, though, there’s no need to wait!

The dough will be confined in a baking pan, so you won’t have to worry about it overspreading. 

This means you can bake it right after you make it! It’s the perfect recipe when you’re craving cookies, but don’t have the time.

Soft, buttery, and chocolatey, these Congo squares are simply irresistible. Let’s get to it.

Congo Squares Recipe

While the name suggests an exotic dessert, Congo squares are actually just a moniker for chocolate chip cookie bars.

The recipe combines chocolate chips, brown sugar, and walnuts, resulting in chewy, ooey-gooey bars with a buttery and caramel-like flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this tasty treat. 

• Shortening. Most recipes will call for butter, but here you’ll need shortening. It’ll make your Congo squares extra moist and ooey-gooey.

• Light brown sugar. Because brown sugar contains molasses, it helps make baked goods extra chewy.

• Eggs. When baking desserts, always use room-temperature eggs as they incorporate much easier with other ingredients.

• All-purpose flour. The base that gives the Congo squares their structure.

• Baking powder. The leavening agent that’ll make the squares rise.

• Salt. A flavor enhancer.

• Walnuts. For added texture.

• Chocolate chips. No explanation required!

How to Make Congo Squares

1. Preheat the oven and grease the pan.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

You can also line the pan with parchment paper for good measure. This will ensure the bars will lift right out of the pan.

2. Combine the sugar, shortening, and eggs.

First, beat together the brown sugar and shortening until smooth and well combined.

Next, add the eggs.

Now, this part is super important: add the eggs one at a time, and beat the mixture for 3 minutes after each addition.

This is the secret step that’ll make the squares extra light, so while it does take a while, don’t skip it.

3. Sift the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is important to keep the batter from being lumpy.

Also, while you can directly pour the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture, it’s safer to sift and combine them in a separate bowl.

This step helps prevent overmixing and lumps in the batter.

4. Combine the dry ingredients and sugar mixture.

Gently mix and stop just until well combined.

I don’t suggest using a hand mixer here because you’ll risk overmixing the batter, which will result in dry Congo squares.

Use a rubber spatula instead and stop mixing once you no longer see streaks of flour.

Lastly, gently mix in the walnuts and chocolate chips.

5. Bake.

Spoon the batter into the greased or lined baking pan and bake for 28 minutes, no more, no less.

You want it to still be gooey in the middle because it’ll continue to cook in the pan as it cools. 

6. Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to the touch, slice it into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Congo Squares

Check out these quick tips and tricks for the most gooey and delicious Congo squares!

• Measure the flour accurately. Using too much than what’s called for will yield dry or cakey Congo squares. Use a kitchen scale for best results.

• Always line your pan. These bars love sticking to everything. For easy cutting, line the pan with parchment paper. You’ll thank me later. 

• Don’t overbake! You know it’s done when the edges have set while the center is still gooey. Don’t worry, it’ll continue to cook as it cools.

• Avoid overbrowning. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil. 

• Allow them to cool. I know it’s tempting to dig in, but avoid that urge! Let the Congo squares cool slightly before slicing. They’ll be too gooey when fresh off the oven.

Flavor Variations

While semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts are my go-to cookie and bar mix-ins, there’s always room for innovation.

Try these flavor variations and let me know how you like them!

• Nuts – Try hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, and macadamia. Toast them in a 350-degree oven for 5-8 minutes to bring out their flavors more.
• Chocolate Chips – Use dark, milk, or white, depending on how sweet you want your Congo squares to be. 
• Other Mix-ins and Toppings – Sunflower seeds, crushed pretzels, M&Ms, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, etc.

How to Store Congo Squares

Place Congo squares in an air-tight container and store them at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the fridge for 1 week.

You can also keep them around longer by freezing them. Double wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

This will keep them from developing freezer burn.

Place them in freezer-safe bags, label accordingly, and freeze. Congo squares will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Bar Dessert You’ll Love

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Hello Dolly Bars

Slutty Brownies

Millionaire’s Shortbread

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Congo Squares (Old-Fashioned Recipe)

Servings

48

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

129

kcal

This recipe for Congo squares will make you feel like a kid again! Learn how to make these tasty chocolate chip cookie bars, and get ready to be impressed!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shortening

• 1 pound packed light brown sugar

• 3 eggs

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening and brown sugar at medium speed until smooth. Add in the eggs, one by one, and beat for 3 minutes after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the bowl of sugar mixture and gently mix to combine. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
• Spoon the dough into the greased pan. Bake for 28 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to the touch, slice it into squares. This recipe makes 48 Congo squares. Serve and enjoy!

Kim - InsanelyGood

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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