Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix with Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Bars
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting (Optional)
- Beat the Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Add Cocoa and Sugar: Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to combine.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
- Frost the Cake Bars: Once the cake bars are completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Cut and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles for serving. Enjoy these delicious chocolate cake bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake Bars
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for any chocolate enthusiast. With their rich flavor, soft texture, and easy preparation, they’re perfect for any gathering or just a treat for yourself. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting, these bars are bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delightful chocolatey goodness!
