There’s something truly magical about hosting gatherings, isn’t there? The laughter, the chatter, and, of course, the food! I remember one summer evening when I decided to whip up this easy dessert for a crowd. It was a potluck, and everyone brought a dish, but my chocolate squares stole the show! As soon as I set them on the table, people gravitated toward them like moths to a flame. The rich chocolate aroma filled the air, and before I knew it, they were gone! This recipe is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also a lifesaver when you want to keep things simple. You can whip it up in no time and enjoy the party without stress. Trust me, this dessert will make you the star of your next gathering!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Just a quick tip: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results! Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precision. This little detail can make a big difference in the texture of your dessert!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your dessert bake evenly. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it up with a little cooking spray or butter. This will prevent your delicious chocolate squares from sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that goodness!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s mix our dry ingredients! In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s well blended. This step is crucial because it ensures that your chocolate squares have a uniform flavor and texture. Plus, who doesn’t love a nice, smooth batter?
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring in the wet ingredients! Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Now, here’s the key—mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix it! Overmixing can lead to dense squares, and we want them light and fluffy. Just a gentle stir will do the trick!
Baking the Dessert
Pour that luscious batter into your greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If there’s some gooey batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
Cooling and Serving
Once your dessert is baked to perfection, let it cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key! Once cooled, cut it into squares, and here’s where you can get creative—serve it plain or with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Enjoy every bite with your friends and family!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chocolate squares turn out perfectly! First off, remember that measuring your ingredients accurately is key. Too much flour can make them dry, while not enough can lead to a gooey mess. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
Also, when mixing, it’s okay to see a few lumps in the batter—just don’t overdo it! Overmixing can make the squares dense instead of light and fluffy. And don’t forget to check for doneness a little early! Ovens can vary, so start testing around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Lastly, let those beauties cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier. Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering with these delicious chocolate squares!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive in, just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. That said, here’s a typical breakdown for one square of these delicious chocolate squares:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that if you add toppings or variations, the nutritional content will change, so feel free to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about this easy dessert for a crowd.
Can I store leftovers? Absolutely! Just place any leftover chocolate squares in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I substitute ingredients? Yes, you can! If you’re out of milk, you can use almond milk or any other milk alternative. For a dairy-free option, try using applesauce instead of eggs—just keep in mind it may change the texture a bit.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? No worries! You can use carob powder as a substitute for a unique flavor twist. And if you want to experiment with flavors, toss in some chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Definitely! You can bake it a day in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely, store it properly, and let it come to room temperature before serving. It’ll taste just as delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, making gatherings stress-free.
- Rich chocolate flavor that everyone adores.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Great for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- Bakes easily in one pan, reducing cleanup time.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay delicious for days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover chocolate squares is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can sit at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want them to last longer, stick them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you box them up!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need for a fancy reheating method. If you prefer them warm, pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off. And if you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful treat. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Desserts for a Crowd: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert that serves a crowd, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the dessert light.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy desserts for a crowd
