Chocolate Buttermilk Squares
Chocolate Buttermilk Squares are rich, moist treats with a deep chocolate flavor complemented by tangy buttermilk. Perfect for chocolate lovers and those seeking a slightly tangy, sweet dessert, they are great for gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting snack with coffee or milk.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and water to a boil.
- Cool the mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture, buttermilk, soda, beaten eggs, vanilla, and food coloring if desired.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter. You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with a little vinegar if needed. For a richer variation, try using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the squares.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Buttermilk Squares are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, serve alongside fresh berries. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for added flair. Explore more American recipes for a full dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place squares in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and enjoy their fudgy texture again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Buttermilk Squares contains roughly 1043 calories, with 23g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2172mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour, but be aware that this may affect the texture. If using whole wheat flour, consider adding a bit more liquid to keep the squares moist.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). This change will keep the squares moist and cohesive, making them suitable for a vegan version.
How can I make these squares more festive?
To make the squares more festive, consider adding festive sprinkles on top before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled squares. You could also incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a holiday flair.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).