How to make chocolate concrete
Chocolate concrete is a classic British school dessert that is loved by children and adults alike. Its satisfying crunch and rich flavor make it the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you remember it fondly from your own school days or you’re looking to try something new, making chocolate concrete at home is a simple and fun process.
To make chocolate concrete, you will need just a few basic pantry ingredients. A combination of flour, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar forms the base of this treat, creating a dense and fudgy texture. The addition of a crushed digestive biscuit adds an irresistible crunch, making this dessert truly unique and delicious.
One of the best parts about making chocolate concrete is that it requires minimal baking skills. Simply mix together the dry ingredients, melt the butter, and combine the two to form a crumbly dough. Spread the dough into a baking tray, press it down firmly, and bake until it reaches the perfect level of crispiness. The result is a heavenly chocolate treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of ice cream.
So, whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just in the mood for a delightful chocolatey dessert, give homemade chocolate concrete a try. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious taste, it’s a treat that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a homemade delight that will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Enjoy!
Preparing the ingredients
Before making chocolate concrete, make sure you have gathered all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 200g unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts
Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it’s easier to mix. Take the eggs out of the fridge in advance as well.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can move on to the next step: making the chocolate concrete mixture.
Mixing the dry ingredients
To make delicious chocolate concrete, it is important to start by mixing the dry ingredients together. This ensures that all the flavors and ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the concrete mixture.
Here’s a list of the dry ingredients you will need:
Ingredients:
| 300g plain flour |
| 50g cocoa powder |
| 200g caster sugar |
| 1 tsp baking powder |
| A pinch of salt |
Start by sifting the plain flour and cocoa powder together into a large mixing bowl. This helps to remove any lumps and creates a lighter and fluffier texture.
Next, add the caster sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the sifted dry ingredients. Use a whisk or a fork to gently combine all the dry ingredients together.
Make sure to mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no clumps of sugar or cocoa powder remaining.
Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, they are now ready to be combined with the wet ingredients, bringing us one step closer to the mouthwatering chocolate concrete!
Melting the chocolate
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start melting the chocolate. This step is crucial because the melted chocolate will determine the final texture and consistency of your chocolate concrete.
Here’s how to melt the chocolate:
1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until it’s fully melted.
3. Alternatively, you can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
4. Whichever method you choose, be sure to stir the chocolate constantly to prevent it from burning.
5. Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, remove it from the heat source and let it cool for a few minutes.
Remember, it’s important to melt the chocolate gently and slowly to avoid burning and seizing. This will ensure that your chocolate concrete turns out rich and velvety.
Mixing the wet ingredients
When it comes to making chocolate concrete, mixing the wet ingredients is an essential step. The wet ingredients consist of butter, golden syrup, and water. These ingredients combine to form a rich and smooth texture that enhances the overall taste.
To begin, measure 225 grams of unsalted butter and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the butter in short bursts until it is completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter over low heat on a stovetop.
Next, add 2 tablespoons of golden syrup to the melted butter. Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup that adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the chocolate concrete. Stir the butter and golden syrup together until they are well combined.
The final ingredient to add to the wet mixture is 125 milliliters of water. Adding water helps create a smoother consistency and allows the other ingredients to blend together effortlessly. Pour the water into the bowl containing the butter and golden syrup mixture. Stir until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Once you have mixed the wet ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step in making chocolate concrete.
Combining the ingredients
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for making chocolate concrete, it’s time to start combining them together to form the mixture that will later be hardened into a solid form. In this section, we will guide you through the process of combining the ingredients.
Mixing the dry ingredients
The first step is to mix the dry ingredients together. Take a large mixing bowl and add the plain flour, cocoa powder, and caster sugar. You can get creative with the proportions based on your preferred taste, but for a classic chocolate concrete, a ratio of 2 cups flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, and 1 cup of sugar should suffice. Use a whisk or fork to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Adding the wet ingredients
Next, add the melted butter and golden syrup to the bowl of dry ingredients. The melted butter adds richness to the mixture, while the golden syrup helps to bind it together and provides a distinct flavor. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they form a slightly crumbly mixture. Be sure not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher texture.
If desired, you can also add optional ingredients at this point. Popular additions include crushed cookies, nuts, or chunks of chocolate, which can enhance the taste and texture of your chocolate concrete.
Once the wet and dry ingredients are evenly combined, you should have a thick and sticky mixture that holds together when pressed. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a small amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
A final tip: if you enjoy a bit of crunch, you can reserve a small portion of the dry mixture to sprinkle over the top of the chocolate concrete before baking. This will give it a delightful crispy crust.
Now that your ingredients are perfectly combined, it’s time to move on to the next step: baking the chocolate concrete.
Baking the chocolate concrete
Once you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to bake your chocolate concrete. Follow these steps for a delicious and crunchy treat:
Step 1: Preheating the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing a baking dish with some butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the chocolate concrete from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and cornflakes. Give them a good stir, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Melting the butter and syrup
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and golden syrup together. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combining the wet and dry ingredients
Pour the melted butter and syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture forms a rough, crumbly texture.
Step 5: Baking the chocolate concrete
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your hands. Make sure the surface is even and compact.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The center will still be soft but it will harden as it cools.
Step 6: Cooling and serving
Allow the chocolate concrete to cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into squares or rectangles and serve.
Add some optional toppings like a dusting of icing sugar or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate concrete!
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