Cocoa Walnut Squares
by Tarla Dalal
Umm... it is richer than simple cocoa walnut muffins, quite different from brownies, not really a cake, and not a plain loaf either... well, you cannot decipher the Cocoa Walnut Squares because they are not only unique but too mesmerizing to analyze the experience! Made with readily available ingredients and a bit of ingenuity, the Cocoa Walnut Squares use the perfect proportions of cocoa, sugar and butter in the cake as well as the sauce, to deliver a tantalizingly chocolaty experience. The walnuts are a smart addition to this dessert, as too pure a chocolate flavour can get a bit saturating at times.
Cocoa Walnut Squares recipe - How to make Cocoa Walnut Squares
Preparation Time: Baking Time: 35 to 40 minutes Baking Temperature: 180° C (360°F) Cooking Time: Total Time:
Makes 16 squares
For The Cake
1 1/2 cups plain flour (maida)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp soda bi-carb
5 tbsp curds (dahi)
5 tbsp milk
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
For The Sauce
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder
5 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
Other Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (akhrot)
For the cake
- For the cake
- Sieve the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and keep aside.
- Combine the curds, milk, butter, sugar and vanilla essence in a deep bowl and mix well.
- Add the flour mixture and ½ cup of water and mix well.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into a greased and dusted 175 mm. (7”) diameter tin and spread it evenly.
- Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°c (360°f) for 30 to 35 minutes or till done.
- The cake is ready when it leaves the sides of the tin and is springy to touch.
- When ready, remove from the oven, cool for 10 minutes, invert the tin over a plate and tap sharply to unmould the sponge. Keep aside.
For the sauce
- For the sauce
- Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder and milk in a broad non-stick pan and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.
- Add the vanilla essence and mix well. Keep aside.
How to proceed
- How to proceed
- Cut the cake into 16 equal squares.
- Top each square with little of the sauce and finally sprinkle some walnuts over it.
- Serve immediately.
| Energy | 158 cal |
| Protein | 2.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 8.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.1 mg |
| Vitamin A | 241.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Folic Acid | 3.7 mcg |
| Calcium | 37.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Magnesium | 26.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 58 mg |
| Sodium | 59.9 mg |
| Potassium | 75.5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
Cocoa walnut squares.. it is so chocolaty.. I enjoyed making this recipe.. I served this with ice-cream.. and it was just tasting too good.. I served this in short glasses topped with ice-cream.. for a party.. Thank you for this recipe..