The Scoop
Chocolate Prune Squares are a nostalgic treat, perfect for savoring new beginnings.
The very first time I concocted these Chocolate Prune Squares, I was preparing for a big life step — my return to a childhood neighborhood. I found myself surrounded by boxes and memories, needing comfort food with a somewhat unexpected twist. As I settled into my cozy, new space back where I grew up, I realized a sweet reward was in order that spoke to both comfort and a touch of grown-up flair. Prunes, something my grandmother always had in her pantry, became the surprising star ingredient of this creation. Combined with chocolate chunks and a dab of creamy peanut butter, this treat took on a life of its own.
In the chaos of settling in and revisiting long-forgotten corners of my hometown, the process of toasting oats and walnuts became meditative. The aroma filled my small kitchen, bringing a sense of calm amid the bustling weekend. A pro tip? Finely chop those prunes to achieve a smooth, cohesive mixture that binds everything together beautifully. Press the mixture firmly in the dish, allowing it to rest before you dive in. As I served these squares during a modest housewarming gathering, sprinkled with a touch of extra cocoa powder, the nostalgia mingled with newfound joy.
Making those squares was more than just blending ingredients. It was a celebration of returning home, all tied together with a rich, chocolate-dusted bow. These squares remind me to embrace where I came from while savoring new beginnings, proving that even simple recipes can carry you on a journey through time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter, natural or creamy
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened, plus more, to taste, for garnish
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted, can substitute almonds or hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, toasted
- 16 ounces prunes
Directions
- Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the chocolate chips, the honey, and the peanut butter and heat until melted and smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of the cocoa powder to the chocolate mixture and stir until well-combined.
- In a container of a food processor, add the walnuts and process until finely ground.
- Add the toasted oats to the ground walnuts and process until finely chopped.
- Transfer the oat mixture to a large bowl.
- In the container of the same food processor, add the prunes and process until finely chopped and well-combined.
- Add the oat mixture to the prunes and process until well-combined.
- Add the prune mixture to the same large bowl used previously.
- Add the chocolate mixture to the prune mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well-combined.
- Transfer the prune mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Transfer the prune mixture to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. If you intend to serve it sooner, cover it tightly and freeze it for 1 hour.
- With a serrate knife, cut the prune mixture into serving-size squares.
- Serve garnished with the extra cocoa powder.
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