Heavenly Vanilla-Almond Chocolate Squares

Ingredients

- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp Magnolia Star Baking Supply Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts:
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of Magnolia Star Baking Supply Vanilla Bean Paste, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract until well combined.

5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure a tender texture.

6. Pour the Batter:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the Squares:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

8. Cool and Cut:
Allow the baked squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT25M
25 minutes

Total Time

- PT40M
40 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dessert

Keywords

Vanilla almond dessert, chocolate squares, homemade chocolate treats, vanilla bean paste recipe, almond extract baking, lemon extract dessert, easy chocolate dessert, baking with cocoa, vanilla recipes, gourmet desserts

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults (16 squares)

Calories

- Total calories: 2400 calories

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