Congo Bars (Chewy Blondie Chocolate Chip Bars)

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DESCRIPTION

Congo Bars are rich, chewy blondie-style dessert bars that are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. Loaded with chocolate chips and sometimes nuts or coconut, they are a classic old-fashioned treat often found in church cookbooks and family baking traditions. They taste like a thick chocolate chip cookie in bar form—sweet, buttery, and very satisfying.

INGREDIENT

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted or softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

INSTRUCTION

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture and stir until combined.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts/coconut if using.
  7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  9. Let cool before cutting into squares.

TIPS

  • Do not overbake—slightly soft center keeps them chewy.
  • For extra flavor, use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a deeper flavor twist.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

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