Chocolate Squares
Here is a straightforward way to make Chocolate Squares at home, with a clear ingredient list and step-by-step instructions you can follow without guesswork. Sweet without being heavy, it works just as well for an afternoon treat as for dessert. Scroll down for the ingredients, the step-by-step method, and answers to the questions we get asked most about it.
- Cook 35 min
- Total 35 min
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 g) margarine, softened
- 1 cup (240 g) brown sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 0.25 cup (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 0.5 cup (350 g) rolled oats
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- ?
- 1 cup (240 g) chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp Hard margarine
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- ¼ tsp Salt
Method
- Cream together the margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, oats, baking soda and salt.
- Mix flour mixture into creamed mixture, using a wooden spoon to start, until crumbly looking.
- Reserve roughly ?
- Press remaining mixture into a greased, lined square pan.
- In a mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water, heat all filling ingredients until chocolate chips are just melted.
- Spread chocolate mixture evenly over prepared base, keeping the sides of the pan clean.
- Take reserved mixture and sprinkle over the top. Note that it will not cover the whole surface.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or just until oatmeal mixture has a light golden colour.
- Let cool, cut, and serve.
Tips for the best Chocolate Squares
- Let the egg come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Use a kitchen scale for the dry ingredients if you have one — baking is less forgiving than cooking.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Individual portions: divide into ramekins or a muffin tin and reduce the baking time by about a third.
Serving ideas
Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of thick cream.
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Chocolate Squares ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for (120 g) margarine?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Is this Chocolate Squares recipe hard to make?
It is rated hard: 13 ingredients and 11 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
How long does Chocolate Squares take to make?
About 35 minutes in total — roughly under an hour of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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