Some desserts politely serve a few people. This one? It throws a full-on party and makes sure everyone leaves with chocolate on their face. Smart Chocolate Squares are an all-in-one treat with layers of airy cocoa sponge, creamy whipped topping, silky chocolate sauce, and a final flourish of pistachios and strawberries.
It’s the kind of dessert that earns you “genius” status at potlucks, birthdays, or any gathering where people pretend to “just have a small slice,” then sneak back for seconds.
What Are Smart Chocolate Squares?
Smart Chocolate Squares don’t come from an ancient cookbook guarded by chocolatiers in velvet robes. They belong to the family of traybakes, which rose in popularity in the mid-to-late 20th century when home cooks started looking for desserts that could be made in one pan.
The “smart” label comes from the way the recipe layers and flavors are built. The milk soak is inspired by techniques from European sponge desserts, while the finishing garnishes of pistachios and strawberries give a nod to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
Pro Tips for the Best Smart Chocolate Squares
- Your eggs, sugar, and vanilla should be beaten until pale and fluffy to get that perfect airy sponge.
- Pouring milk over a warm cake will make it soggy, so let it cool completely first.
- A couple of hours in the fridge allows the layers to settle, making cleaner cuts and a more indulgent bite.
- Garnish just before serving. Strawberries and pistachios look their best when added last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called Smart Chocolate Squares?
Because they’re a clever way to make a cake that’s easy to portion. It is also visually stunning and scalable for a large group, without needing fancy molds or layers of assembly.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Sure, but expect a sweeter, creamier taste. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the sponge and cream better.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch pan works well. If you use a smaller one, your cake will be taller and may need a few extra minutes of baking.
How to Store Smart Chocolate Squares
Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or transfer squares to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, If you must freeze them, do it before adding the cream and chocolate sauce, then finish assembling after thawing.
Ingredients
How to Make Smart Chocolate Squares
In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar with an electric mixer for 5–10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar with an electric mixer for 5–10 minutes.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Whisk gently to combine.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Whisk gently to combine.
Add milk and butter, whisking until smooth and pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
Add milk and butter, whisking until smooth and pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, let the cake cool completely, then pour 300ml of milk to keep it moist.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, let the cake cool completely, then pour 300ml of milk to keep it moist.
Beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
Beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
In a saucepan, whisk milk, sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and heat until it just boils.
In a saucepan, whisk milk, sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and heat until it just boils.
Stir in the dark chocolate until melted and cool slightly.
Stir in the dark chocolate until melted and cool slightly.
Spoon the cooled chocolate sauce over the whipped cream layer and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Spoon the cooled chocolate sauce over the whipped cream layer and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Slice into squares, garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh strawberries just before serving.
Slice into squares, garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh strawberries just before serving.
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