Heavenly Squares are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly base, followed by a sweet, creamy frosting, and topped off with a rich, decadent chocolate layer. Each component plays its part in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. This recipe is relatively simple, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or a comforting treat for a cozy night in, these squares are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Heavenly Squares. First and foremost, the combination of textures is simply divine. The crunchy graham cracker base provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth frosting and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping. The flavor profile is equally captivating, with the nutty graham crackers and coconut complementing the sweetness of the frosting and the richness of the chocolate.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding different nuts, extracts, or even a layer of caramel. The squares are also perfect for making ahead of time, as they can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. And let’s not forget the sheer simplicity of the recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a truly unforgettable dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the Bar Layer:
- Butter, at room temperature: ½ cup (1 stick)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Graham cracker crumbs: 2 cups
- Flaked coconut: 1 cup
- Chopped walnuts: ¼ cup
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter, at room temperature: ½ cup (1 stick)
- Milk: 2 teaspoons
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups
For the Chocolate Layer:
- Chocolate chips: 12 oz
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Make Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the ½ cup of butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy. This process, known as creaming, is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which will result in a tender and light base. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to a tough base. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and walnuts. Ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The graham cracker crumbs provide a sturdy base, while the coconut and walnuts add texture and flavor. If you prefer a different type of nut, feel free to substitute it for the walnuts.
Step 4: Bake Base Layer: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and uniform layer. This will ensure that the bars bake evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bar layer is set and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bars to prevent them from burning.
Step 5: Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool completely. It’s crucial to allow the base to cool before adding the frosting, as the heat can cause the frosting to melt.
Step 6: Make & Spread Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a new bowl, beat the ½ cup of unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. This will ensure that the frosting is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by the milk. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and structure to the frosting, while the milk helps to create a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Base: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled graham cracker base. Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to create a smooth and uniform layer.
Step 8: Add Chocolate Topping: To make the chocolate topping, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. The butter helps to create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.
Step 9: Finish & Serve: Smooth the melted chocolate evenly over the frosting layer. Allow the chocolate to set completely before slicing into squares. This will prevent the chocolate from cracking and make it easier to cut the bars neatly. You can speed up the setting process by placing the bars in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the chocolate has set, slice the bars into squares and serve.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Heavenly Squares are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They’re perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. You can also enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch of elegance, try serving the squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
- For best results, use room temperature butter for both the base and the frosting. This will ensure that the ingredients blend together smoothly and create a light and fluffy texture.
- If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, you can make your own by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding different nuts, extracts, or even a layer of caramel.
- To prevent the chocolate from cracking when you slice the bars, use a warm knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
- Store the Heavenly Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15-20 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 250-300 per square
- Protein: 3-4 grams per square
- Sodium: 50-75 milligrams per square
Conclusion
Heavenly Squares are a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone who tries them. With their layers of buttery graham cracker base, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate topping, these squares are a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to produce delicious results. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the heavenly goodness for yourself!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut in the base?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts with any other type of nut that you prefer, such as pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the mixture.
Q2: Can I make these squares ahead of time?
A: Yes, Heavenly Squares are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. In fact, some people find that the flavors meld together even better after the squares have been refrigerated for a day or two.
Q3: Can I freeze these squares?
A: While you can technically freeze Heavenly Squares, it’s not recommended, as the frosting and chocolate topping can become slightly soft and lose their texture upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chocolate that you prefer for the topping, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly, as different types of chocolate have different melting points.
Q5: Can I add a layer of caramel to these squares?
A: Absolutely! A layer of caramel would be a delicious addition to Heavenly Squares. Simply spread a layer of caramel over the graham cracker base before adding the frosting. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own homemade caramel.
