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

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Chocolate concrete, that dense, fudgy, and slightly crunchy traybake, is a nostalgic treat for many. If you're craving a taste of childhood, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make chocolate concrete at home.

What is Chocolate Concrete?

Chocolate concrete, also known as chocolate crunch, is a popular school dinner dessert in the UK. Its dense, slightly gritty texture and rich chocolate flavor make it a comforting and satisfying treat. Unlike cake, it's not meant to be light and airy; instead, it embraces its unique, almost solid consistency.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 250g Plain Flour
  • 50g Cocoa Powder
  • 150g Caster Sugar
  • 200g Cold Butter, cubed
  • Pinch of Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a rectangular baking tin (approximately 20x30cm) with baking parchment. This will make it easier to remove the chocolate concrete later. — DCEU Catwoman: Will She Ever Appear?

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, cocoa powder, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until evenly distributed. This ensures that the cocoa powder is properly incorporated and prevents any clumps.

3. Add the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as this will help create the desired texture.

4. Press into the Tin

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the tin. Ensure that the surface is compact and level.

5. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the concrete is firm to the touch. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make it dry.

6. Cool and Cut

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares or rectangles. Cooling it completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Concrete

  • Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold is crucial for achieving the correct crumbly texture.
  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.
  • Press Firmly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the tin ensures that it holds together during baking.
  • Serve with Custard: For the ultimate school dinner experience, serve your chocolate concrete with warm custard.

Variations

  • Add Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey treat.
  • Use Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to add a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate concrete is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a generous helping of warm custard. It's also a great addition to lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chocolate concrete in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. — Jennifer Saunders: Life, Career, And Comedy

Enjoy your homemade chocolate concrete! This simple recipe brings a classic treat right to your kitchen, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and evoking fond memories. — Amex Platinum Card: Top Benefits & Perks