Homemade bar

Homemade Bar – A Quick and Refreshing Delight

If you are looking for a simple and tasty dessert that will impress anyone who crosses your threshold, you have found the perfect recipe. This homemade bar is an excellent choice for moments of indulgence, but also for giving your loved ones a sweet gift from the heart. I will detail the necessary steps, as well as some secrets and variations, so you can achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Number of Servings: 20 cubes

A Brief History

The homemade bar is a dessert that has gained popularity over the years due to its simplicity and the versatility of its ingredients. It can be customized in countless ways, having roots in traditions of sharing joy through sweets. Using accessible ingredients, this bar becomes an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring a smile to the faces of their loved ones.

Ingredients

- 250 g milk powder
- 100 g cocoa (for the classic bar)
- 150 ml water
- 500 g sugar
- 150 g butter
- Rum essence (optional)
- Nuts or hazelnuts (optional, depending on preferences)

Necessary Utensils

- A 20x20 cm baking dish (or any desired shape)
- A saucepan
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A tablespoon
- A grater (if you wish to add chopped nuts or hazelnuts)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dish: Start by greasing the chosen dish with a little butter. This will prevent the bar from sticking and make cutting easier later.

2. Preparing Cocoa and Milk Powder: In a bowl, mix the milk powder with the cocoa. This mixture will form the base of your bar and will add a rich flavor.

3. Preparing the Syrup: In a saucepan, add 150 ml of water and 500 g of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. The drop test is essential here: to check if the syrup is thick enough, take a little on the tip of a spoon and place it under running water. If a sugar drop forms, the syrup is ready. Make sure it boils long enough to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Adding the Butter: Once the syrup is ready, add 150 g of butter and stir until it completely melts. The flavor of the butter will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

5. Combining the Ingredients: When the butter is fully melted, add the milk powder and cocoa mixture to the saucepan. Continue stirring well to avoid lumps. If you want a bar with a more interesting taste, add the rum essence, chopped nuts, or hazelnuts.

6. Forming the Bar: Pour the obtained mixture into the prepared dish. Use the spatula to level the surface so that you get an even bar.

7. Cooling: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bar has completely set.

8. Cutting and Serving: Once the bar has set, remove it from the dish and cut it into cubes. You can dust it with a little powdered sugar for a more elegant appearance or serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream.

Practical Tips

- Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a white bar, replace the 100 g of cocoa with an additional 100 g of milk powder. Add almond or vanilla essence and a few raisins for extra flavor.
- Pair with Beverages: This homemade bar pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a glass of cold milk will provide a pleasant contrast.
- Storage: The bar keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week, although it is unlikely to last that long!

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade bar is not only delicious but also contains ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. Milk powder is a good source of calcium and protein, while nuts add healthy fatty acids. However, given its high sugar content, it is best to consume in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with almonds, pistachios, or even cashews for a different taste.

2. Is it possible to make this bar without sugar?
There are sweetening alternatives, but it's important to adjust the quantities to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Can I freeze the bar?
Yes, this bar can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

4. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add coconut flakes, melted chocolate, or even dried fruits for a more complex bar.

Now that you know all the details, all that’s left is to put on your apron and get cooking! Making the homemade bar is a fun and easy activity that will surely bring happiness to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every cube and share the joy with your dear ones!