Chocolate Crunch Squares Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate crunch is a rich, fudgy treat that combines the deep flavor of cocoa with a delicate crunch on top. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea, this easy-to-make baked dessert will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

The image shows a white tray with twelve square pieces of chocolate cake arranged in a 3x4 grid on a sheet of parchment paper. Each cake piece has a crumbly, powdered sugar-like topping that creates a light dusty layer on the darker, rich chocolate base. The texture on top looks slightly cracked and crisp, while the inside of one piece, turned on its side, reveals a moist, dense, and dark chocolate interior. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, with small crumbs scattered around it. Nearby decorative objects include a brown star-shaped ornament and a bronze-colored, vintage-looking bauble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 170g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for the tin
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 170g caster sugar
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 25g cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Butter a 20cm square tin and line it with baking parchment for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the caster sugar, self-raising flour, and cocoa powder until evenly blended.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and beat together. Then add the beaten egg and beat again until fully combined into a smooth batter.
  5. Step 5: Press the batter evenly into the prepared tin. Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle over the granulated sugar to create a crunchy topping.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is firm and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Step 7: Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then cut into squares and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra texture, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
  • Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • If you prefer a softer top, skip brushing water and sprinkling sugar.

Storage

Store the chocolate crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but allow it to come to room temperature before eating. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

The image shows a baking tray with 12 square pieces of chocolate brownies arranged in a grid. Each brownie has a cracked, slightly rough top layer dusted with light powdered sugar, giving a dusty white and brown contrast. The interior of the brownies looks dense and moist with a rich dark brown color. One piece in the front right corner is turned on its side, showing a thick textured bottom and a thin cracked top crust. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a few golden star-shaped and pumpkin decorations scattered nearby, creating a cozy festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, but you will need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the dry ingredients to help the mixture rise properly.

How do I know when the chocolate crunch is done baking?

The top should be firm and slightly crisp. Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Print
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Chocolate Crunch Squares Recipe


  • Author: Cleo
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x

Description

This Chocolate Crunch recipe delivers a rich and indulgent chocolatey treat with a perfect crumbly texture. Featuring simple ingredients like melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugars, it bakes into a delightful bar with a crunchy sugared top that’s perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 170g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for the tin
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Dry Ingredients

  • 170g caster sugar
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 25g cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tin: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Butter a 20cm square baking tin and line it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the caster sugar, self-raising flour, and cocoa powder thoroughly.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet butter and vanilla mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture together until combined.
  5. Add egg and blend: Add the beaten egg to the batter and beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Transfer and finish batter: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking tin. Brush the surface lightly with water to help the granulated sugar stick.
  7. Add topping: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter to create a crunchy crust.
  8. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is firm and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and leave the chocolate crunch to cool slightly in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then slice into squares and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to get clean cuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For extra richness, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
  • If you prefer a less crunchy top, omit brushing with water and granulated sugar.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Keywords: chocolate crunch, chocolate bar, baked chocolate dessert, easy chocolate recipe, cocoa bake, chocolate squares

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