Easy Chocolate Concrete Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Chocolate concrete, a school dinner staple, brings back nostalgic memories for many. This simple, dense, and fudgy treat is surprisingly easy to make at home. This guide provides a straightforward recipe to recreate this classic dessert.

What is Chocolate Concrete?

Chocolate concrete is a dense, cake-like dessert, known for its slightly crunchy top and soft, fudgy interior. It was a popular treat in school cafeterias, offering a sweet and satisfying energy boost. Unlike traditional cakes, chocolate concrete is intentionally dense and slightly dry, making it perfect for soaking up custard. — Brad Renfro's Death: A Look Back

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 250g Plain Flour
  • 50g Cocoa Powder
  • 200g Granulated Sugar
  • 200g Cold Butter, cubed
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Optional: Chocolate Chips for extra indulgence

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Base

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Pressing into the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4).
  2. Grease and line a baking tray (approximately 9x13 inches) with parchment paper.
  3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking tray. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure it's compact.

3. Baking

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The top should be slightly firm, but the inside will remain soft.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares.

4. Serving

Serve your chocolate concrete with:

  • Custard: The traditional accompaniment.
  • Ice Cream: For a cold and creamy contrast.
  • Fresh Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Concrete

  • Cold Butter: Using cold butter is crucial for achieving the correct crumbly texture.
  • Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, hard concrete. Aim for a slightly soft center.
  • Press Firmly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures a dense, cohesive concrete.

Variations

  • Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the mixture before baking for an extra chocolatey treat.
  • Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
  • Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the dry ingredients for a subtle citrus twist.

Storage

Store your chocolate concrete in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe captures the essence of classic chocolate concrete with its simple ingredients and straightforward method. The key to its success lies in the cold butter and the careful baking time, ensuring a dense yet fudgy texture that everyone will love. — Tragedy At The Zoo: Beloved Giraffe, Long Neck, Passes Away

Conclusion

Recreate a beloved school dinner classic with this easy chocolate concrete recipe. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or a simple dessert, this recipe brings the taste of childhood right to your kitchen. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful, fudgy square with friends and family! — All About Movies: News, Reviews, & More