01/09/2026
Congo Bars Recipe: How to Make This Chewy, Chocolate-Studded Classic
Ingredients for Classic Congo Bars
To make traditional Congo Bars, you’ll need simple pantry staples:
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1½ cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How to Make Congo Bars Step by Step
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Lining the pan makes removal and slicing much easier later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
This step is key—fully dissolving the brown sugar helps create that signature chewy texture.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
4. Fold in the Mix-Ins
Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Do not overbake—Congo Bars continue to set as they cool.
6. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing. This ensures clean edges and the perfect chewy interior.