Indulge your sweet tooth with the delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth sensation of Kit Kat squares. While you can always unwrap a store-bought bar, why not try making your own homemade Kit Kat squares? This recipe is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize your treats with your favorite flavors. Let's dive into the world of homemade Kit Kat squares.
Before we start, gather your ingredients and tools. You'll need milk chocolate, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a few pantry staples. For tools, you'll need a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, a stand mixer or a hand mixer, and a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Creating the Kit Kat Filling
The first step in making your homemade Kit Kat squares is creating the signature crispy, crunchy filling. This filling is essentially a homemade version of the wafers found in store-bought Kit Kats.
To make the filling, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 238°F or 114°C). Once it reaches this stage, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the butter is fully incorporated.
Adding the Flour
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step requires some elbow grease, but it's crucial for achieving the perfect Kit Kat texture.
Once the dough is thick enough, transfer it to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the dough on medium speed until it's cool enough to handle. You can also do this by hand, but using a stand mixer will make the process much easier.
Rolling and Cutting the Filling
Once the dough is cool, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles that are about 1 1/2 x 3 inches each. These will be the base for your homemade Kit Kat squares.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough rectangles on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Bake the rectangles for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden and firm to the touch. Allow the rectangles to cool completely on the baking sheet before proceeding to the next step.
Making the Chocolate Coating
While the filling is baking and cooling, it's time to prepare the chocolate coating. This step is much simpler than making the filling, as it only requires melting chocolate and butter together.
In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and butter. Melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If you're using a microwave, heat the chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is fully melted.
Coating the Kit Kat Filling
Once the filling rectangles are cool, it's time to coat them in chocolate. Dip each rectangle into the melted chocolate, using a fork to help you coat both sides. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate, then place the coated rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once all the rectangles are coated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate is set, you can enjoy your homemade Kit Kat squares!
Storing Your Homemade Kit Kats
To store your homemade Kit Kat squares, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the chocolate from melting and the squares from becoming too soft. Your homemade Kit Kats should stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly.
Now that you know how to make your own homemade Kit Kat squares, you can enjoy the delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth sensation of this classic treat whenever you want. Plus, you can customize your Kit Kats with different flavors of chocolate or even add-ins like crushed nuts or dried fruits. So go ahead, satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Happy baking!