Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and, of course, indulging in some delicious food. This *thanksgiving dessert bar* is the perfect sweet ending to your festive feast! Picture this: a rich, fudgy bar, packed with chocolate chips and a hint of nostalgia that’ll take you back to your childhood family dinners. I created this recipe to bring everyone together, and it never fails to impress! The beauty of this dessert bar is that it’s super easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. Each bite is like a warm hug, making it a must-have for your Thanksgiving table. Trust me, you’ll want to save room for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the bars bake evenly and rise perfectly.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is mixed well.
- Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Pour in the melted butter, crack in the two large eggs, and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to stir everything together until you see a lovely smooth batter. Don’t overmix, just combine until you don’t see any dry flour!
- Next, fold in those delicious chocolate chips and, if you’re feeling adventurous, your chopped nuts. You want to be gentle here to keep all that chocolate goodness evenly distributed.
- Now, grease a baking dish (an 8×8-inch works wonders) and pour your batter in, spreading it evenly with your spatula.
- Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it around the 25-minute mark! You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting it into bars. This step is key for achieving those perfect slices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- The rich, chocolaty flavor is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- These bars are super versatile—feel free to add your favorite nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top!
- They’re easy to cut into perfect portions, making them a great option for sharing at gatherings.
- With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving dessert bar* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the measuring—baking is a science, and precise measurements really matter here. If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter; it enhances the chocolate beautifully! Also, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. If you notice the edges beginning to pull away from the pan, it might be time to take them out.
Another pro tip? Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes slicing so much easier! And if you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel on top for an extra touch of decadence. Trust me, your guests will love it!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying these delicious *thanksgiving dessert bars*, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each serving (one bar) typically contains about 200 calories, with 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber in each serving. So, while these bars are a treat, they can fit into your holiday enjoyment without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make these dessert bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These *thanksgiving dessert bars* are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving!
What can I serve with these dessert bars?
I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of fresh berries adds a lovely tartness that balances the rich chocolate perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving dessert bars* is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you’ve got more than you can eat, pop them in the fridge—this will keep them good for up to a week. When it comes to reheating, I recommend just warming them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, so they’re perfectly soft and fudgy again. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for that extra special treat!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these *thanksgiving dessert bars*, I love to keep things festive and fun! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top is always a crowd-pleaser; the cold, sweet cream perfectly contrasts the rich chocolate. If you want to elevate the experience even more, consider a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for that sweet-salty combo that everyone loves. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a lovely tartness that brightens up each bite, making them a beautiful and tasty addition. And, let’s not forget a dollop of whipped cream—because what’s a dessert without a bit of fluffiness, right? Enjoy these delightful pairings at your Thanksgiving table for a truly memorable feast!
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Thanksgiving Dessert Bar: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and festive dessert bar perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until combined, then fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Bars can be topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Adjust sugar based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert bar
