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Chocolate Cake Squares Recipe: A Beginner’s Guide

  • 4 min read
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At the end of this post you will find a clear, easy-to-follow recipe for Chocolate Cake Squares. Before the recipe, a short personal anecdote about music, motherhood, and how a favorite song can change an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.

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I’m a mother of two girls: Emily, age 6, and Juliet, age 1. When I first became a parent I felt overwhelmed by all the lists of advice and rules. As someone who loves music, I was especially excited to learn that babies and young children respond so well to songs. I tried to use music whenever possible—only to discover that “Three Little Mittens” and “B-I-N-G-O” can quickly become the soundtrack of every single activity. At that point I should have just “Let It Go.”

One afternoon, worried that Juliet might confuse different animal sounds, I found myself singing “Old McDonald Had a Farm” again. Instead of the delighted, toothless grin I expected, Juliet gave me a look that read: “Are you kidding me? I got the cow goes ‘moo’ part. Could you please play some real music?”

So I did. With a single tap on my phone we were blasting “Alive” by my all-time favorite band, Pearl Jam. For those few minutes I was transported back to Wrigley Field, surrounded by fellow fans, reliving three hours of pure bliss. And Juliet? She was thrilled—laughing, smiling, and clearly enjoying the music.

NOW THAT’S THE WAY TO INTRODUCE MUSIC!

Bake it as Cupcakes or in an 8×8 pan

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a working parent, a student, a traveler, or simply stuck on an airplane, put on your favorite tunes and enjoy the moment. And while you’re at it, bake a piece of cake. These Chocolate Cake Squares are moist, easy to make, and topped with a rich chocolate ganache that soaks into the cake for maximum chocolate flavor.

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Now you know a few important things about me: I’m married to an amazing man, I’m a stay-at-home mom for two girls, I’m obsessed with Pearl Jam, and I bake whenever I can—sometimes even when I can’t. Expect family stories, everyday life, and plenty of baking tips and cake-decorating ideas here. Relax—I’m only being sarcastic!

pearl jam stick man

Chocolate Cake Squares

This easy chocolate cake is baked in an 8″x8″ pan and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. It’s a great choice for dessert, snack, or a music-fueled baking afternoon.

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Prep Time: 20 mins   |   Cook Time: 25 mins   |   Total Time: 45 mins   |   Servings: 8×8 pan

Author: Dikla Levy Frances

Ingredients

  • 3/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (100 g / 3.5 oz)
  • 1/4 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder (28 g / 1 oz)
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 Cup sour cream (120 ml / 4 oz)
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 stick unsalted butter, softened (90 g / 3 oz)
  • 1 Cup granulated sugar (200 g / 7 oz)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 1/2 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (85 g / 3 oz)
  • 3/4–1 Cup heavy cream (use 3/4 cup for thicker ganache, 1 cup for a looser pour)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8″x8″ baking pan and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix to combine and set aside.
  3. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  6. With the mixer on low, add the dry flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  9. Using a toothpick or cake tester, gently poke the cake all over (about 150 small holes) so the ganache can soak in.
  10. Pour and spread the chocolate ganache over the cake. Wait about 5 minutes for the ganache to set slightly before adding sprinkles or slicing.

To make the chocolate ganache

  1. Place the chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl.
  2. Warm the heavy cream in the microwave or on the stove just until it begins to simmer—do not boil, as overheating can separate the chocolate and fats and produce a grainy texture.
  3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate.
  4. Stir with a small whisk or fork until smooth and glossy. If some pieces remain unmelted, heat the mixture in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and stir again—do not overheat.

Serve the Chocolate Cake Squares slightly warm or at room temperature. The ganache soaks into the cake for a rich, fudgy texture that chocolate lovers will adore. You can also turn this batter into cupcakes—reduce baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

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