Made these for a cooking tasting contest at my church, but they were out before the contest even began! Dang!

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A delightful treat that disappeared faster than expected at the church's cooking tasting contest.

Rosie Mitchell

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:42:26.631Z

These treats were a hit at the church cooking contest, vanishing before the judges could even taste them!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly delicious with a perfect blend of flavors
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion
  • Sure to impress friends and family with minimal effort

A Church Favorite

These delightful treats have quickly become a beloved staple at church gatherings. Their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture make them a perfect choice for any dessert table. It’s no wonder that they were devoured even before the cooking tasting contest could officially begin! When you bring these to a potluck or community event, expect to see smiles all around as friends and family indulge in each delicious bite.

The history behind these treats often sparks conversations among church members, reminiscing about how they were first introduced. As you share them with others, you’ll likely hear stories of similar recipes passed down through generations, creating a wonderful sense of community and connection. Make sure to keep a few extra on hand, as you'll want to share the joy they bring!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a casual get-together, these treats are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Their straightforward preparation means you can whip them up in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Plus, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Many people appreciate how these treats can be customized to suit different taste preferences. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist. With just a few simple adjustments, you can create a variation that will suit any palate, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this recipe, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for perfect consistency. If you want a more decadent treat, consider using high-quality cocoa powder; it can elevate the flavor profile significantly, making each bite even more indulgent.

Don't forget to keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is different, so it's wise to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean but still moist. This will ensure your treats have that rich, fudgy texture everyone loves.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious treats:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your treats and share them with friends and family!

Serving Suggestions

When serving these chocolate treats, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the rich chocolate flavor, making your dessert table irresistible. For a more festive presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving.

If you're feeling creative, try layering the treats with whipped cream and fruits in a parfait glass for an eye-catching dessert. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds different textures and flavors that will delight your guests.

Storage Tips

To keep your treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them a convenient option for unexpected guests or cravings.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen treats, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows them to regain their fudgy texture and rich flavor, making them just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture might be denser.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these treats?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.

Made these for a cooking tasting contest at my church, but they were out before the contest even began! Dang!

A delightful treat that disappeared faster than expected at the church's cooking tasting contest.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Rosie Mitchell

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 cup butter, melted
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 04

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

Allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 3g