These soft and chewy chocolate filled Congo Bars are a great recipe to make the next time you have company over. Make them and watch them disappear.
CLICK HERE TO PIN THE RECIPE FOR LATER!
All through my high school years, I made these chewy cookie bars of deliciousness for every youth group event that needed food. It was must my sure fire recipe that never failed me and was always asked for.
Every time I showed up with a pan, these Congo Bars got devoured in no time at all.
Then I went to college, got married, had kids, and forgot about these treats. Until a few months ago when I was going through some old recipes I had kept.
Now you may think they are just a blonde brownie, so what is the big deal?
I can’t explain it. These classic cookie bars just have a slightly different taste than these M&M Blonde Brownies.
There is just something about a Congo Bar that I can’t resist.
I just had to whip up a batch right away to see if they were as good as I remembered. And these bars did not disappoint me!!!
Soft, chewy, chocolatey goodness in every bite. Before I knew it, I had eaten quite a few bars.
It’s a good thing I cut the pan into mini bars this time because I just sabotaged the morning workout I did.
How to bake Congo Bars:
The key to these gooey bars is not to over bake them. I have always baked this recipe for 30 minutes. Never more, never less.
This gives the bars a very slightly crunchy top and sides, but the center of the bars stay soft and gooey.
All ovens bake differently though, so this could affect the bars. We have lived in different places over the years, and I have baked them in so many different ovens, but I still stick with the 30 minutes.
They will look under done when you first pull them out of the oven, but stay with me. Let them sit on the counter and cool completely before you touch them.
The center will fall slightly, but this is normal. Just trust me, and do not bake them more.
We usually let them cool completely because they stay in a bar shape better.
But next time scoop out a big bowlful of hot gooey goodness and plop a scoop of ice cream on top. Holy cow! Cookie dough goodness with melty ice cream is pretty much the bomb!
More cookie bar recipes that you may like:
- Salted Butterscotch Bars
- M&M’s Brownies
- Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars
- Caramel Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Connect with Inside BruCrew Life! Follow us on social media, so you never miss a post.
Email Subscription | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin
I also created a fun new Facebook group, and I would love for you to join. It’s a group where you can share your favorite recipes, ask questions, share photos, and see what’s new with the BruCrew. If you would like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #brucrewlifebaking, so I can see all the Inside BruCrew Life recipes you are making.
Congo Bars recipe:
Congo Bars
These soft and chewy chocolate filled Congo Bars are a great recipe to make the next time you have company over.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again.
- Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt and slowly add to the butter mixture until a soft thick dough forms.
- Stir the chocolate chips in by hand. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Do not over bake!!! Remove and let the bars cool completely before cutting into 24 bars. Store in a tightly sealed container.
(original photo from August 2010)
*The post and recipe for these Congo Bars was originally published August 24, 2010. The pictures and post was updated and republished on November 19, 2018.
Danielle says
Yum!! Those look delish!
Amy Meyer says
Those look delicious!
Kristen says
I was just saying yesterday that I wanted to make these this weekend! Now I don’t have to search for a recipe! Thanks!
Seams Inspired says
I’m saving this for later this week when I bake treats on Friday for our bus driver. Thanks for posting! Can’t wait to try them. Happy Tuesday! :o)
Larri at Seams Inspired
Mrs. A says
umm I feel a baking night coming on soon. I absolutely must try these 🙂
The Answer Is Chocolate says
Oh those look yumilicious!
Katie says
Oh Jocelyn you have done it again! These look amazing and I can’t wait until the weekend when I can splurge a little on my diet.
Liz says
I like them underbaked too, just a tad…going to copy this recipe now, I love cookie bars! 1 lb of brown sugar, how can you go wrong?!?
Melissa says
These look delicious!
Melissa says
Yum
Shanti says
Such a delicious blog:) I am literally drooling over the photos..I am so following you thanks to Tuesday Blog Hop. Check out my blog http://purelyforfun.blogspot.com/ and hope you’ll follow too:)
Lana says
Wow! Now if you could just deliver that to Indiana, I would be good to go! ;0) Following you from the TBH. Please stop by for a chat with me at http://www.walkingtheoff-beatenpath.blogspot.com
Cindy says
This looks great. Can’t wait to try.
Amy says
that is so yummy… Have a great day..
alicia says
Yummy! Thanks for sharing your congo bars with us over at tasty tuesdays! Can’t wait to try them.
alicia
Val says
I love these bars!!!
Linda... says
wow, those congo bars look great.
Erin says
I participated in a recipe exchange and this was one of the recipes that I was sent. I can’t wait to try it (especially after seeing your yummy pictures!)
Alicia says
The goodies look sooo yummy….
Terrell says
Ohhh yum!! These look delightful! You’ll have to share them at Frou Frou Decors party on Friday!!
~Terrell @ FFD~
Heather says
Ahh….. YUM! Definately going to have to try these! Thanks for linking up!
The Branches says
oh my goodness those look so ooooo oooo good!
Avril Miller says
I won’t be able to stop thinking of these bars until I make them myself! They look soooo good!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂
Nikki says
OMG, I am so ridiculously hungry right now! LOL. Thanks so much for linking up to gettin’ crafty on hump day! 🙂
Catherine Anne says
Yummy!!!!
Cap Creations says
They look yummy!
Kimberly says
mmmm, they sound great. I’m going to have to make these.
Kimberly says
mmmm, they sound great. I’m going to have to make these.
Cath says
Another delicious treat from your kitchen!! Thanks for sharing!
Cath 🙂
Brianna! says
looks super simple and delicious
Thanks so much for sharing
xoxo
bB
Mindy says
Oh how I LOVE the Congo bar!!! Thanks for reminding me of my wonderful memories, all including the deliciousness.. and for sharing the recipe. I don’t know where mine could possibly be!
SnoWhite says
Can’t wait for a fun place to take these!!
Pam says
Your bars look delicious! I will be trying them. I’m your newest follower and really enjoy your great blog. You have a wonderful looking family!
A Mom After God's Own Heart says
These are so yummy!
Kristi says
Ok, one thing I like more than cookies is bars. Brownies, blondies and anything in between! These look and sound fantastic. I’m soo glad you linked these up at Foodie Friday!
Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke says
i will be making these soon, just pinned!
Lisa says
I’m always on the search for a perfect blondie recipe, I’ll give these a try. They look yummy! (I’ll add a few butterscotch chips I have in with the chocolate chips.)
Erin says
These are in the oven now…. Can’t wait to try them! Luckily some made it in the oven… The batter was so delicious!
Kristy Brown says
These are amazing cookies. So gooey and just yummy!
marla haines says
one pound of brown sugar???
Jocelyn Brubaker says
That’s 2 cups…I’ll change the recipe 🙂
Rebecca says
I just make these earlier and let me tell you………AWESOME!!!! This recipe is a KEEPER! I think I might thow in some pecans the next time just to see how the combination of chocolate and pecans will be. I’m sure it will be just as delicious as this above recipe. Definitely give this recipe a try! Think you will agree that it’s a keeper!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I am so glad to hear how much you like these. They are one of my all time favorites. I think the pecans in it sounds awesome too 🙂
Aunt Betty says
I grew up eating almost this exact same recipe made by my maternal grandmother. She called them Congo Squares. And the recipe does say to slightly underbake “they will seem not done, but they are.” These ARE absolutely divine. If you haven’t made a pan full, do so. You won’t be sorry!
Hillary says
I just made these today and they did not come out chewy or underbaked at all! 🙁 I baked them for 30 minutes as advised…but they probably would’ve done better at about 20-25 minutes to come out with the same consistency I think!
Carolyn says
I just made these and they are fantastic! Underbaking them is key . Thank you for the awesome recipe!!!! <3
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I agree with you…under baking is definitely the way to go on these!!!
Dee says
These look amazing! Has anyone tried them without the chocolate chips? My daughter can’t have chocolate, but she loves plain blondies and haven’t found a recipe that we like!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I have never made them without chocolate chips, but I’m sure the plain blondie would be good. You could also substitute any candy she can eat. Can she have white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips?
Alyshia gangemi says
This recipe came out horrible .. Either you gave the wrong ingredients or wrong cooking time , it came out like a hard cake !!!! Ruined my dinner!!!
Jocelyn says
I am so sorry that these didn’t turn out for you, but the recipe is correct. I have had quite a few comments saying how delicious these were, so I know the recipe is ok. All ovens bake differently, so yours might run hotter causing the bars to bake faster.
Tanya B. says
I added a package of mint hot chocolate to the flour mix….OMG! So good!
Jocelyn says
Oh, my word! I love that idea!! I know what I want to make right away 🙂 Thanks for sharing your fun idea!!!
Tanya B. says
Oh my goodness I couldn’t stop eating the batter lol! Please let me know what you think. Mine are fresh out of the oven and I want to dig into them so bad but I can’t. Have to save them for dinner later!
Ashley F says
These are a family favorite, especially around Christmas!
Aimee Shugarman says
These turned out perfect, and underbaked is totally the way to go!
Rachael Yerkes says
I couldn’t stop myself while eating these. they’re so good!
Kathi says
I made these, but I substituted salted caramel chips instead of “just plain ol’ chocolate chips”. OMG! A-MAAAA-zing 🙂
Jocelyn says
Oh, that does sound absolutely amazing!!! I will definitely have to try that!
Jennifer Lehner says
I’ve made these bars so many times and everyone always loves them!!
Carolyn says
Finally, the perfect recipe for the Congo bars of my youth! Thank you for sharing!
Julie says
I made these the other day, I only had dark brown sugar but they worked out well! I added nuts. Thought they would taste awesome with coconut too, so I’ll add that next time in addition to the nuts. 30 minutes was exactly perfect. Thanks for the recipe!
Trish says
Can someone help me? I have used this recipe dozens of times but my bars always end up fluffy and not gooey and underbaked. I leave them in for 30 minutes and I was thinking that I should put it in the oven with less time? My oven thermometer tells me that the oven is at the right temperature. Could I use a 1:1 ratio of melted butter instead?
Jocelyn says
I’ve never used melted butter for this recipe. My guess is to bake them for around 26 mins and see what that does. I always do 30 minutes for this particular recipe if I’m taking them somewhere or using them for a bake sale, but they are never fluffy. If it’s for us, I will do around 28 minutes.