Chocolate Cake Bars

Chocolate Cake Bars Recipe | Vegetarian and Vegan-friendly Options Available!

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chocolate Cake Bars are a delicious and decadent treat that are perfect for any occasion. These rich and fudgy bars are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

History

The origins of Chocolate Cake Bars are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional chocolate cake recipes. The idea of turning a classic cake into portable bars is a convenient and fun twist on a beloved dessert.

Ingredients

1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
0.75 cup lightly packed brown sugar
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp baking soda
chocolate Ganache for frosting (optional)
1 cup pureed silken tofu

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. (Do not use a glass baking pan as it may cause the bars to become too dark and dry.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tofu and vinegar. Whisk in the brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until well blended.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the tofu mixture until just blended. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and feels almost firm in the center, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool until the cake is firm enough to cut, approximately 30 minutes.
While still in the pan, cut the cake into bars and serve. Alternatively, to frost the cake, invert it onto a plate or cutting board. Spread ganache on the warm cake and let it stand until the ganache is firm enough to cut without smearing, about 1 hour.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Swirl in a ribbon of peanut butter or caramel sauce for a delicious twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use silken tofu for a creamy texture in the batter.

- Make sure to cool the melted butter slightly before adding it to the batter.

- For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate ganache frosting to the bars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Cake Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mix the batter until just blended to avoid overmixing and creating a tough texture.

- Use a toothpick to test for doneness when baking the bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have silken tofu, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute.

- You can use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa powder in a pinch.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Cake Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chocolate Cake Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Cake Bars with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chocolate Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Bars contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Bars contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Cake Bars are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Cake Bars contain dairy and soy allergens.

Summary

Chocolate Cake Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Chocolate Cake Bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich and fudgy texture, these bars are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a truly decadent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chocolate Cake Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was cleaning out my old recipe box, sorting through the worn index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings that held the secrets to some of my favorite dishes.

As I sifted through the recipes, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the title "Chocolate Cake Bars" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting. I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but the ingredients and instructions seemed straightforward enough. I decided to give it a try.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract – and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I mixed the batter together, the sweet scent of chocolate filled the air, and I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

I thought back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious treats for our family to enjoy. She was a master in the art of baking, and I had always admired her skill and dedication to her craft.

I remembered the first time she had taught me how to make a simple chocolate cake, patiently guiding me through each step and encouraging me to taste the batter and adjust the flavors as needed. It was a memory that had stayed with me throughout the years, and now, as I mixed together the ingredients for these Chocolate Cake Bars, I felt a sense of connection to her that warmed my heart.

The timer dinged, signaling that the bars were ready to come out of the oven. I carefully removed the pan and set it on the counter to cool, the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through the kitchen.

Once the bars had cooled, I cut them into squares and took a bite. The cake was moist and decadent, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

As I sat down to enjoy a piece of the Chocolate Cake Bars with a cup of tea, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me from above, proud of the baker I had become. I knew that her spirit lived on in every dish I created, and that her love and passion for cooking would continue to inspire me for years to come.

And so, as I finished the last crumb of my Chocolate Cake Bar, I made a silent promise to myself to keep exploring new recipes, to keep honing my skills in the kitchen, and to keep the tradition of delicious homemade treats alive for generations to come.