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

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Chocolate concrete is a classic school dinner dessert that many people remember fondly. This dense, chocolatey treat is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s how to recreate this nostalgic favorite.

What is Chocolate Concrete?

Chocolate concrete, sometimes called chocolate crunch, is a firm, biscuit-like dessert with a rich chocolate flavor. It's known for its slightly dry texture and satisfying crunch, making it a delightful treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 250g plain flour
  • 125g butter, cold and cubed
  • 75g caster sugar
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2-3 tbsp milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.
  2. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. This process is crucial for achieving the correct texture.

Step 2: Forming the Concrete

  1. Add Milk: Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much milk, as the dough should be firm and slightly dry.
  2. Knead Lightly: Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a cohesive ball. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the chocolate concrete tough.

Step 3: Baking

  1. Press into Tin: Press the dough evenly into a greased and lined baking tin (approximately 9x13 inches). Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure the surface is flat and compact.
  2. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (140°C fan/Gas Mark 3) for 20-25 minutes, or until the concrete is firm to the touch. The edges should be slightly darker.

Step 4: Cooling and Cutting

  1. Cool Completely: Remove the baking tin from the oven and let the chocolate concrete cool completely in the tin. This may take a couple of hours.
  2. Cut into Squares: Once cooled, cut the concrete into squares or rectangles. A sharp knife will help you achieve clean cuts.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Concrete

  • Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating the crumbly texture. Make sure your butter is straight from the fridge.
  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter concrete, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of caster sugar.
  • Serving Suggestions: Chocolate concrete is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with custard or ice cream. Some people also enjoy it with a sprinkle of icing sugar.

Variations

  • Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
  • Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, comforting flavor.

How to Store

Store the chocolate concrete in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

Recreating this classic dessert is a delightful way to bring back childhood memories. Follow this guide and enjoy your homemade chocolate concrete!