Congo Bars — The Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Bar Recipe

Some recipes become favorites because they are fancy or complicated. Others become favorites because they’re tied to memories, people, and moments that stick with you forever. These Congo Bars fall into that second category — simple, comforting, nostalgic, and unbelievably delicious.

I first discovered Congo Bars in algebra class when I was fourteen years old. Instead of a pop quiz, our teacher handed out a recipe and told us our assignment was to double it using our math skills. It was the best homework I ever received — and the result was what would become the best chocolate chip bar I’ve ever tasted.

Decades later, this recipe still holds up. It’s rich, chewy, buttery, loaded with chocolate, and perfectly balanced between crisp edges and a soft, gooey center. Once you bake them, you’ll understand why these bars have earned their cult following.

What Are Congo Bars?

Congo Bars are classic American dessert bars similar to blondies, but with a richer, chewier texture and a higher ratio of brown sugar and butter. They’re packed with chocolate chunks and chocolate chips, giving every bite layers of sweetness and depth.

The hallmark of a perfect Congo Bar is its texture: slightly crisp around the edges, thick and soft in the middle, and studded generously with chocolate. They slice beautifully, travel well, and taste even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly chewy and buttery
Loaded with chocolate in every bite
Easy one-bowl recipe
Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, and lunchboxes
Freezes beautifully
No chilling required

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
2 cups packed brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Ingredient Breakdown

Butter: Provides richness and tenderness.

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel flavor.

Eggs: Create structure and chew.

Vanilla: Enhances chocolate flavor.

Baking Powder: Gives light lift without cakiness.

Chocolate: Two types add depth and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
Beat butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
Mix in flour just until combined.
Fold in chocolate chunks and chips.
Spread batter into pan evenly.
Bake for about 30 minutes until edges are set and center is soft.
Cool slightly, remove, slice, and enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Congo Bars

Do not overbake — slightly underdone centers stay chewy.
Use room temperature ingredients.
Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
Use high-quality chocolate.
Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges.

Flavor Variations

Nutty: Add 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Salted: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
White Chocolate: Replace milk chocolate chips with white chocolate.
Peanut Butter: Swirl in ½ cup peanut butter before baking.
Espresso: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for deeper flavor.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce
Dust with powdered sugar
Pack in lunchboxes or gift boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Congo Bars the same as blondies? Similar, but Congo Bars are richer, chewier, and more chocolate-heavy.

Can I halve the recipe? Yes — use an 8×8 pan.

Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, bake in a sheet pan and adjust baking time.

Why These Bars Are Nostalgic

These bars are more than dessert — they’re memories. School kitchens, handwritten recipes, math homework that actually made sense, and the joy of baking something that makes everyone smile. That’s the magic of Congo Bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Congo Bars, you’re in for a treat. They’re everything a dessert bar should be — chewy, rich, comforting, and simple. Bake a batch and see why they’ve been loved for generations.

One pan, one bowl, one bite — and you’ll be hooked.